Orecchiette Pasta Salad with Spinach Cranberries Walnuts and Feta

Directions

  1. 1Cook orecchiette in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente.
  2. 2Toast chopped walnuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3 to 5 minutes until fragrant.
  3. 3Whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl.
  4. 4Place fresh spinach in a colander.
  5. 5Pour the hot pasta and cooking water directly over the spinach to wilt it, then drain well.
  6. 6Transfer warm pasta and spinach to a bowl.
  7. 7Pour the dressing over top and toss to coat evenly.
  8. 8Gently fold in dried cranberries and toasted walnuts.
  9. 9Top with crumbled feta cheese and serve warm.

Ingredients

  • 10 oz orecchiette pasta
  • 3 cups fresh baby spinach
  • 0.5 cup dried cranberries
  • 0.5 cup walnuts, roughly chopped
  • 0.5 cup feta cheese, crumbled
  • 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 tbsp white balsamic vinegar
  • 1 tsp honey
  • Salt
  • freshly cracked black pepper

Equipment

large potdry skilletsmall bowlcolander

Tips

  • The walnuts and cranberries really make this one.
  • The feta adds a nice salty bite too.