Description
Spinach Pasta Salad is a fresh, vibrant, and easy dish made with bowtie pasta, crisp spinach, juicy cherry tomatoes, and a zesty homemade vinaigrette, all finished with Parmesan cheese. Perfect as a side or light main, this pasta salad is customizable, make-ahead friendly, and ideal for picnics, potlucks, or weeknight meals.
Ingredients
8 ounces bowtie pasta
4 cups fresh baby spinach
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
1 clove garlic, minced
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Cook bowtie pasta in salted water until al dente, about 8 minutes. Drain and rinse under cold water.
- In a large bowl, combine cooled pasta, spinach, cherry tomatoes, and red onion.
- Whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper in a small bowl.
- Pour dressing over pasta salad and toss to coat evenly.
- Sprinkle Parmesan cheese on top and toss lightly.
- Serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to serve.
Notes
- Add spinach just before serving to prevent wilting.
- Best served chilled or at room temperature.
- Use any short pasta like penne, fusilli, or rotini if preferred.
- Keep dressing separate if making ahead for meal prep.
- Omit cheese or use dairy-free Parmesan for a vegan version.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 8 mins
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of recipe
- Calories: 240
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 260mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 8mg
