If you are looking for a fresh and flavorful salad that balances warmth and zing perfectly, the Cranberry Feta Bowtie Salad with Spinach Recipe is a must-try. It’s a colorful mix of tender bowtie pasta, vibrant greens, sweet dried fruits, crunchy walnuts, and tangy feta cheese, all brought together by a luscious honey-balsamic dressing. This salad not only dazzles the eyes but also delights the palate, making it an ideal dish for gatherings, weeknight dinners, or even meal prep. Let me walk you through this wonderfully satisfying and easy-to-make salad that has quickly become a favorite in my kitchen.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A white bowl filled with a colorful salad arranged in sections. One section has light yellow bowtie pasta with a smooth texture, next to it is a pile of small dark red dried cranberries with a slightly wrinkled look. Beside the cranberries, there is a crumbled white cheese with a soft and crumbly texture. In the middle, there is a bunch of brown walnuts with a rough and bumpy surface. On one side, bright green spinach leaves with visible veins and smooth surfaces, and on the other side, arugula leaves that are darker green with a more jagged shape. The bowl is placed on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

To make this Cranberry Feta Bowtie Salad with Spinach Recipe truly shine, you’ll want to gather some simple yet crucial ingredients. Each component plays a vital role—whether it’s adding texture, sweetness, a bit of crunch, or a bold burst of flavor.

Bowtie pasta: The perfect pasta shape to hold onto the dressing and mix beautifully with other ingredients.
Baby spinach: Adds vibrant color and a fresh, mild flavor that pairs wonderfully with other greens.
Arugula: Brings a peppery note that contrasts nicely with the sweetness of dried fruits.
Dried cranberries: Provides a tart and chewy burst that livens up every bite.
Golden raisins: Introduces sweetness and a subtle fruity depth.
Walnut halves: Adds a satisfying crunch and a rich, nutty flavor.
Crumbled feta cheese: Offers a tangy creaminess that balances the sweetness perfectly.
Balsamic vinegar: Key for the tangy base of the dressing to tie all flavors together.
Honey: Brings natural sweetness that smooths out the acidity of the vinegar.
Dijon mustard: Adds a gentle kick and helps emulsify the dressing.
Ground black pepper and kosher salt: Essential seasoning to enhance every ingredient’s flavor.
Olive oil: Provides richness and a smooth finish to the dressing.

How to Make Cranberry Feta Bowtie Salad with Spinach Recipe

Step 1: Cook the bowtie pasta

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil, then add the bowtie pasta. Cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Once perfectly tender but still with a slight bite, drain the pasta and allow it to cool completely—this prevents the salad from becoming mushy and helps it maintain great texture.

Step 2: Prepare the greens and mix-ins

While the pasta cools, grab a large mixing bowl and add the baby spinach and arugula for a wonderful base. Toss in the dried cranberries, golden raisins, walnut halves, and crumbled feta cheese. These ingredients create a remarkable medley of flavors and textures that complement each other beautifully.

Step 3: Whisk the dressing

In a small bowl, combine the balsamic vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, freshly ground black pepper, kosher salt, and olive oil. Whisk everything together vigorously until the dressing becomes smooth and well-emulsified. The balance of tangy, sweet, and savory notes in this dressing is what makes it truly extraordinary.

Step 4: Combine pasta and dressing

Once the pasta has cooled, add it to the bowl with the greens and other ingredients. Pour your desired amount of the dressing over the salad—start conservatively because you can always add more to taste. Toss gently but thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly coated, making sure every bowtie is kissed with that delightful dressing.

How to Serve Cranberry Feta Bowtie Salad with Spinach Recipe

A white speckled bowl holds a salad with three main layers. The bottom layer is fresh, bright green leafy arugula, providing a leafy texture throughout. Over this are light brown farfalle pasta pieces, soft and slightly shiny from dressing, spread evenly across the greens. Scattered on top are medium brown walnut pieces with rough textures and some small creamy white cheese chunks. Dark red dried cranberries are mixed throughout, adding a pop of color. A silver fork rests in the bowl on the right side. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

For an extra touch, consider sprinkling additional chopped walnuts or fresh herbs like basil or parsley on top. A little extra feta crumbled over the salad just before serving adds creaminess that guests will love. These simple garnishes make the dish feel special without any hassle.

Side Dishes

This salad pairs beautifully with grilled chicken or salmon for a balanced meal. For a vegetarian meal, serve alongside crusty garlic bread or a warm lentil soup. Its versatile flavor profile makes it a refreshing side or even a hearty main course depending on your occasion.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving this salad in elegant glass bowls, or hollow out tomatoes or purple bell peppers and fill them with the salad for a stunning presentation. You can also layer it in clear parfait glasses as a colorful appetizer at a party. These ideas take your Cranberry Feta Bowtie Salad with Spinach Recipe from everyday to extraordinary.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This salad stores very well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Since the pasta and greens hold up nicely, you can enjoy leftovers without losing any of the fresh flavors. Keep the dressing separate if you want to maintain the crispness of the greens longer.

Freezing

Freezing is not recommended for this Cranberry Feta Bowtie Salad with Spinach Recipe, as the greens and dressing don’t hold their texture and flavor once thawed. However, you can freeze cooked bowtie pasta separately if you want a quick base to mix fresh ingredients with later.

Reheating

This salad is best enjoyed cold or at room temperature. If you want to warm the pasta before combining with fresh ingredients, gently reheat the pasta alone on the stove or microwave. Then add the rest of the salad and dressing fresh to keep everything bright and delicious.

FAQs

Can I substitute a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! While bowtie pasta is ideal for its shape and texture, you can use penne, rotini, or farfalle without much difference. Just make sure to cook until al dente so it holds the dressing nicely.

Is this salad suitable for a vegan diet?

To make the Cranberry Feta Bowtie Salad with Spinach Recipe vegan, simply omit the feta cheese or substitute it with a plant-based alternative. The rest of the ingredients and dressing are naturally vegan-friendly.

How can I speed up the preparation time?

Cooking the pasta ahead of time and chilling it in the fridge helps. You can also prepare the dressing in advance. This way, assembling the salad takes just a few minutes when you’re ready to eat.

Can I add protein to this salad?

Definitely! Grilled chicken, shrimp, or even chickpeas make excellent additions if you want to boost the protein content and make the salad more filling.

How do I keep the salad from becoming soggy?

Drain the pasta well and allow it to cool completely before mixing. Also, add the dressing just before serving, or keep it on the side until ready to eat. This keeps the greens crisp and the pasta firm.

Final Thoughts

This Cranberry Feta Bowtie Salad with Spinach Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug packed with flavor and freshness. Every bite offers an exciting blend of sweet, tangy, crunchy, and creamy elements that come together effortlessly. Whether you’re bringing it to a potluck, preparing a quick weeknight dinner, or simply craving something vibrant and nourishing, this salad is sure to satisfy and impress. I genuinely hope you enjoy making and sharing it as much as I do!