Mediterranean Spinach Pasta Salad with Feta and Pine Nuts
Celebrate family gatherings with this vibrant Mediterranean Spinach Pasta Salad with Feta and Pine Nuts, reminiscent of the delicious dish prepared by my sister-in-law, Denise. This light and refreshing salad combines the nutty flavor of pine nuts, creamy feta cheese, and ripe cherry tomatoes over perfectly cooked bow tie pasta. Not only is it an easy dish to prepare, but it's also packed with nutrients that both kids and adults will enjoy. Tossed in a light Italian dressing, this salad is perfect for brunch, potlucks, or any warm-weather meal. For the best flavor, try to find Girard's Light Champagne Salad Dressing, but if it's unavailable, a light Italian dressing will do just fine. The subtle greens and playful textures make this salad a delightful addition to your table.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
Bow tie pasta
12 ounces (cooked and cooled)
Cherry tomatoes
8 ounces (halved)
Baby Spinach
4 cups (fresh)
Green onion
1 cup (chopped)
Pine nuts
4 ounces (toasted)
Feta cheese
8 ounces (crumbled)
Light Italian dressing
12 ounces (Girard's Light Champagne Salad Dressing preferred)
Instructions
1
In a large pot, boil salted water and cook the bow tie pasta according to package instructions until al dente, about 10 minutes. Drain and cool the pasta under cold running water or by placing it in an ice bath. Set aside to drain completely.
2
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, cherry tomatoes, chopped green onions, and toasted pine nuts. Crumble in the feta cheese and gently toss together.
3
Pour half of the light Italian dressing (preferably Girard's Light Champagne Salad Dressing) over the pasta mixture and stir until everything is evenly coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
4
Just before serving, add the baby spinach to the salad and drizzle with additional dressing to your taste, about another 1/4 of the bottle. Toss lightly to combine without wilting the spinach.
5
Serve chilled or at room temperature, and enjoy your refreshing Mediterranean delight!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the name of this recipe?
The recipe is for Mediterranean Spinach Pasta Salad with Feta and Pine Nuts.
Who is the original inspiration for this recipe?
The dish is reminiscent of a delicious salad prepared by the creator's sister-in-law, Denise.
What type of pasta works best for this salad?
Bow tie pasta is used in this recipe for its playful texture.
How long should the bow tie pasta be boiled?
The pasta should be boiled in salted water for about 10 minutes until it is al dente.
Is this Mediterranean pasta salad vegetarian?
Yes, this recipe is vegetarian-friendly as it contains pasta, vegetables, cheese, and nuts.
What kind of tomatoes should I use?
The recipe calls for 8 ounces of halved cherry tomatoes.
How much spinach is required?
You will need 4 cups of fresh baby spinach.
What type of cheese is included in the salad?
The recipe uses 8 ounces of crumbled feta cheese.
Are there nuts in this recipe?
Yes, it includes 4 ounces of toasted pine nuts for a nutty flavor.
What is the recommended salad dressing?
Girard's Light Champagne Salad Dressing is preferred for the best flavor.
What can I use if I cannot find Girard's Light Champagne dressing?
If the preferred dressing is unavailable, a light Italian dressing will work just fine.
How should I cool the pasta after boiling?
You can cool the pasta under cold running water or by placing it in an ice bath.
When should the baby spinach be added to the salad?
The baby spinach should be added just before serving to prevent it from wilting.
How long should the salad be refrigerated before serving?
The salad should be covered and refrigerated for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
How much green onion is used?
The recipe calls for 1 cup of chopped green onions.
Is this salad suitable for a potluck?
Yes, it is a perfect dish for potlucks, brunches, or family gatherings.
What is the total number of ingredients in this salad?
There are 7 main ingredients in this recipe.
Should the pasta be warm or cold when mixing?
The pasta should be completely cooled and drained before mixing with the other ingredients.
What is the texture of the pasta?
The pasta should be cooked to an al dente texture.
How much dressing is used initially?
You should pour half of the 12-ounce bottle of dressing over the pasta mixture before refrigerating.
Can this salad be served at room temperature?
Yes, it can be served chilled or at room temperature.
Is this a healthy recipe?
Yes, it is packed with nutrients from the spinach, tomatoes, and pine nuts.
How do I prevent the spinach from wilting?
Toss the spinach in lightly just before serving rather than during the initial mixing phase.
What are the primary flavor profiles of this dish?
The dish features nutty, creamy, and refreshing Mediterranean flavors.
How much feta cheese is needed?
The recipe requires 8 ounces of crumbled feta cheese.
What size of pasta package is used?
A 12-ounce package of bow tie pasta is required.
How should the pine nuts be prepared?
The pine nuts should be toasted to enhance their flavor.
Can I add extra dressing at the end?
Yes, you can drizzle an additional 1/4 of the bottle to your taste just before serving.
Is this recipe easy to prepare?
Yes, it is described as an easy dish to prepare that both kids and adults enjoy.
What occasions is this salad best for?
It is ideal for warm-weather meals, brunches, and festive family gatherings.