Description
Mediterranean-inspired Feta & Cranberry Fusilli Salad brings zesty lemon vinaigrette and tangy cheese together in a refreshing pasta experience. Crisp ingredients and bold flavors create a delightful dish you’ll crave for lunch or light dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 8 ounces (226 grams) fusilli pasta
- 1 cup (240 milliliters) feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) dried cranberries
- 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) baby spinach, chopped
Aromatics and Nuts:
- 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) red onion, finely diced
- 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) toasted walnuts, chopped
Instructions
- Bring a pot of salted water to a rolling boil and cook fusilli until it reaches a tender yet firm consistency, approximately 8-10 minutes.
- Drain the pasta thoroughly and rinse under cold water to halt the cooking process and prevent clumping, then set aside to cool completely.
- While the pasta cools, finely chop fresh baby spinach leaves into delicate ribbons and mince red onion into small, uniform pieces.
- Gently toast walnuts in a dry skillet over medium heat until fragrant and golden brown, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
- In a spacious mixing bowl, combine the chilled fusilli with crumbled feta cheese, vibrant dried cranberries, prepared spinach, red onion, and toasted walnuts.
- Create the zesty vinaigrette by whisking together extra virgin olive oil, freshly squeezed lemon juice, golden honey, robust Dijon mustard, aromatic garlic powder, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper.
- Pour the bright vinaigrette over the salad and gently fold the ingredients to ensure even distribution of flavors and dressing.
- For optimal taste, allow the salad to rest in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes, enabling the ingredients to harmonize and develop a more intense flavor profile.
- Serve chilled and enjoy the refreshing combination of textures and tastes.
Notes
- Choose high-quality fusilli with ridges to help capture more dressing and enhance flavor absorption.
- Crumble feta just before mixing to maintain its fresh, creamy texture and prevent clumping.
- Lightly toast walnuts in a dry skillet for 2-3 minutes to intensify their nutty flavor and add a delightful crunch.
- Swap feta for vegan cheese alternatives and use gluten-free pasta to accommodate different dietary needs.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 12 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 50 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 12 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg