This Fresh Spinach Tomato Salad with Creamy Feta is bright and refreshing! With crunchy spinach, juicy tomatoes, and smooth feta cheese, it’s a tasty treat.
Whipping this up is so easy, you’ll wonder why you don’t make salad every day! I love adding a squeeze of lemon for an extra zing—yum! 🥗
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Fresh Spinach: The star of the salad! Choose young leaves for maximum tenderness. If you can’t find fresh spinach, baby kale or arugula can work as tasty alternatives.
Cherry Tomatoes: Sweet and juicy, they add color. If they’re out of season, diced regular tomatoes, or even roasted tomatoes, provide a good swap. Grape tomatoes also hold up well.
Pasta: While it’s optional, small pasta like orecchiette adds heartiness. You can skip it for a low-carb version or use quinoa for a gluten-free option.
Feta Cheese: Creamy feta brings a tangy flavor. If you’re not a fan, try goat cheese or a dairy-free feta for a similar texture.
Red Onion: It adds a sharp bite. If you prefer a milder taste, use green onions or shallots instead. Soaking the onion in cold water for a few minutes can also tone down the flavor.
How Do I Make Sure My Salad is Perfectly Mixed?
To ensure your salad has a great blend of flavors, follow these simple steps:
- Combine all the salad ingredients in a large mixing bowl—this gives you plenty of space to toss without spilling.
- Add the dressing gradually. Start with half of it, then toss gently. This prevents over-dressing.
- Use a light touch when mixing to keep the feta intact and not break it down too much. A pair of salad tongs works well for this!
Letting the salad sit for about 10 minutes before serving enhances the flavor as the ingredients meld together. Enjoy your fresh and colorful salad!
Fresh Spinach Tomato Salad with Creamy Feta
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, quartered
- 1 cup cooked small pasta shells (optional, looks like orecchiette or conchiglie)
- 1/3 cup crumbled creamy feta cheese
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 tbsp fresh basil, chopped
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp red wine vinegar or lemon juice
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful salad will take about 15 minutes to prepare. If you choose to include the pasta, you might need an additional 10 minutes for cooking. Overall, it’s a quick and vibrant dish that’s perfect for any occasion!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta (Optional):
If you’re adding pasta, fill a pot with salted water and bring it to a boil. Add the small pasta shells (like orecchiette or conchiglie) and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Once they’re ready, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water. This helps to cool it down and prevents it from getting mushy. Set aside while you prepare the rest of the salad.
2. Mix the Veggies:
In a large mixing bowl, toss together the chopped fresh spinach, quartered cherry tomatoes, the cooled pasta (if using), finely chopped red onion, parsley, and basil. This colorful mixture will be the base of your salad!
3. Add the Feta Cheese:
Sprinkle the crumbled creamy feta cheese over the top of the vegetable mixture. The creamy texture of the feta pairs beautifully with the fresh ingredients.
4. Prepare the Dressing:
In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar (or lemon juice), dried oregano, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mixing these together will create a lovely dressing that brings all the flavors together.
5. Dress Your Salad:
Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients in the bowl. Toss gently to combine everything evenly without breaking up the feta too much. Remember, we want to keep those creamy feta chunks intact!
6. Adjust Seasoning:
Please take a moment to taste your salad! You can adjust the seasoning with extra salt and pepper if needed to make sure it’s perfectly flavored.
7. Let it Rest:
Let the salad sit for about 10 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully. Then, it’s ready to be enjoyed!
This Fresh Spinach Tomato Salad with Creamy Feta is the perfect light main dish or a vibrant side! Enjoy every colorful bite!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Other Greens Instead of Spinach?
Absolutely! If you don’t have spinach, you can substitute it with baby kale, arugula, or even mixed salad greens. Each will add its own unique flavor and texture!
What If I Don’t Have Feta Cheese?
No worries! You can swap feta with crumbled goat cheese, ricotta, or even a dairy-free feta for a similar creamy texture. Just choose a cheese that you enjoy!
How Can I Make This Salad Vegan?
To make this salad vegan, simply omit the feta cheese and use a plant-based dressing. A creamy avocado dressing or tahini sauce would complement the other ingredients nicely!
How Do I Store Leftover Salad?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to eat to prevent the salad from becoming soggy. Give it a quick toss before serving!
