Vibrant Spinach And Artichoke Pasta Salad Recipe For Summer

Summer’s heat calls for a refreshing spinach and artichoke pasta salad that bursts with Mediterranean flavors.

Crisp vegetables mingle with tender pasta, creating a delightful harmony of textures and tastes.

Tangy artichoke hearts add a zesty punch to this colorful dish.

Each forkful delivers a delicious blend of fresh herbs and creamy dressing.

The pasta salad comes together quickly, making it perfect for picnics, potlucks, or a light meal.

Packed with nutrients and bold flavors, this recipe transforms simple ingredients into an extraordinary culinary experience.

Prepare to savor every delectable bite of this crowd-pleasing pasta salad.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Calories: 300 kcal

Servings: 7

What You Need For Spinach And Artichoke Pasta Salad

• Pasta: Holds the salad structure, choose a short shape like rotini or penne for better dressing coverage.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor and helps season pasta during cooking.

• Spinach: Adds vibrant green color and nutritious leafy texture, select crisp and bright leaves.
• Artichoke Hearts: Provides tangy Mediterranean flavor, choose marinated or canned for convenience.
• Roasted Red Peppers: Introduces sweet, smoky dimension, look for jarred peppers for easy preparation.
• Red Onion: Delivers sharp, zesty bite, slice thinly for balanced distribution.

• Greek Yogurt: Creates creamy base with light tanginess, select full-fat version for richer texture.
• Mayonnaise: Adds richness and smooth consistency, opt for real egg-based variety.
• Lemon Juice: Brings bright acidity and freshness, use freshly squeezed for best flavor.
• Olive Oil: Provides silky mouthfeel and depth, choose extra virgin for superior taste.
• Italian Seasoning: Introduces herbal complexity, ensure blend is fresh and fragrant.
• Garlic: Infuses robust, pungent note, use fresh minced for most intense flavor.
• Salt and Pepper: Fundamental seasoning to balance and elevate overall taste.

• Parmesan Cheese: Contributes salty, nutty undertones, grate fresh for optimal flavor.
• Sunflower Seeds: Adds delightful crunch and subtle nuttiness, toast lightly for enhanced taste.

Kitchen Tools For Spinach And Artichoke Pasta Salad

• Large Pot: Essential for boiling pasta and creating the perfect al dente texture.
• Colander: Crucial for draining pasta and rinsing with cold water to stop cooking.
• Small Bowl: Perfect for whisking together the creamy, tangy dressing.
• Large Mixing Bowl: Key for combining all salad ingredients and tossing with dressing.
• Whisk: Ideal for blending dressing ingredients smoothly and evenly.
• Cutting Board: Needed for preparing vegetables and herbs.
• Knife: Sharp tool for chopping ingredients precisely.

Steps To Make Spinach And Artichoke Pasta Salad

• Boil Pasta Perfection

Get a big pot of water bubbling with salt. Toss in your pasta and cook until it’s just right – tender but still with a little bite. Quickly cool it down under cold water to stop the cooking. Let it hang out and chill.

• Whip Up Creamy Dressing

Grab a small bowl and blend yogurt, mayo, lemon juice, olive oil, herbs, and minced garlic. Give it a quick taste and sprinkle in some salt and pepper until it’s singing with flavor.

• Mix and Mingle

In a large mixing bowl, toss together the cooled pasta with vibrant spinach, tender artichokes, sweet roasted peppers, zesty onions, and a generous handful of cheese. Pour your dreamy dressing over the top and stir everything until each bite is perfectly coated.

• Chill and Thrill

Pop the salad in the fridge for about 30 minutes. This lets all those incredible flavors get to know each other and become best friends. Before serving, give it a quick stir and if you’re feeling fancy, sprinkle some extra cheese or lemon zest on top for a final flourish.

Flavor Boosts For Spinach And Artichoke Pasta Salad

• Perfect Pasta Prep: Cook pasta just until al dente to maintain a firm texture, preventing mushiness when mixed with dressing.
• Mediterranean Twist: Replace Italian seasoning with fresh herbs like basil or oregano for a more vibrant, authentic Mediterranean flavor profile.
• Protein Power-Up: Add grilled chicken, canned tuna, or chickpeas to transform this into a complete meal with extra protein for athletes or fitness enthusiasts.
• Dairy-Free Delight: Swap cheese and yogurt with nutritional yeast and vegan mayo to create a delicious plant-based version that's equally creamy and satisfying.
• Make-Ahead Magic: This salad tastes even better after 24 hours of chilling, allowing flavors to develop fully, making it perfect for meal prep or potluck gatherings.

Serving Time For Spinach And Artichoke Pasta Salad

• Picnic Perfect Plate: Take this pasta salad to your next outdoor gathering. Pack in a sealed container and serve chilled as a refreshing side dish that will impress everyone.
• Fresh Lunch Companion: Transform this salad into a complete meal by adding grilled chicken or shrimp. The protein boost makes it more substantial and satisfying for midday dining.
• Mediterranean Mezze Spread: Pair the pasta salad with warm pita bread, hummus, and olives. Create a vibrant Mediterranean-style platter that celebrates fresh, zesty flavors and colorful ingredients.
• Elegant Appetizer Twist: Serve small portions in individual shot glasses or mini appetizer bowls. Garnish with a sprinkle of herbs for an upscale presentation that works perfectly at cocktail parties or dinner gatherings.

Storage Guide For Spinach And Artichoke Pasta Salad

• Fridge-Fresh Storage Strategy: Seal the pasta salad in an airtight container, keeping it refrigerated for up to 3-4 days. Ingredients like spinach might slightly wilt, but the flavors will continue developing.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare this dish 24 hours before serving to enhance the taste profile. The dressing will beautifully coat each pasta piece, creating deeper flavor layers.
• Smart Ingredient Separation: Store dressing separately from salad components to maintain crisp textures. Mix just before serving to prevent soggy vegetables and keep ingredients vibrant.
• Quick Revive Technique: If salad seems dry after refrigeration, splash a little extra olive oil or lemon juice and gently toss. This refreshes the dish and restores moisture without compromising taste quality.

Vibrant Spinach And Artichoke Pasta Salad Recipe

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4.6 from 39 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 7 1x

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Description

Creamy spinach and artichoke pasta salad combines Mediterranean flavors with classic comfort ingredients. Zesty herbs and tangy cheese create a refreshing summer side dish perfect for picnics and gatherings you’ll want to share with friends.

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Ingredients

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• 12 oz (340 g) pasta (rotini, bowtie, or penne)
• 3 cups fresh spinach, chopped
• 14 oz (397 g) can artichoke hearts, drained and quartered
• ½ cup roasted red peppers, chopped (optional)
• ½ cup crumbled feta cheese or shredded Parmesan
• ¼ cup red onion, finely diced
• ¼ cup sunflower seeds or pine nuts (optional, for crunch)
• ½ cup plain Greek yogurt
• ¼ cup mayonnaise (or more Greek yogurt for a lighter version)
• 2 tbsps lemon juice
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper, to taste

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Instructions

1. Pasta Preparation: Boil pasta in heavily salted water until achieving al dente consistency, then rapidly cool under cold water and thoroughly drain to prevent waterlogging.
2. Dressing Fusion: Whisk yogurt, mayonnaise, lemon juice, olive oil, Italian herbs, and garlic into a smooth, aromatic emulsion. Season with salt and pepper to amplify flavor dimensions.
3. Ingredient Composition: Combine cooled pasta with spinach, artichoke hearts, roasted red peppers, red onion, cheese crumbles, and seeds in a generous mixing vessel, creating a colorful and textural foundation.
4. Dressing Integration: Pour prepared dressing over salad ingredients, gently folding to ensure comprehensive coating and flavor equilibrium. Ensure every element is delicately embraced by the tangy mixture.
5. Flavor Maturation: Chill salad for a minimum of 30 minutes, allowing ingredients to intermingle and develop complex taste profiles. Before presentation, gently redistribute dressing with a light toss.
6. Garnish Elevation: Optionally enhance the dish with additional cheese sprinkles or delicate lemon zest to introduce a bright, final flavor accent.

Notes

• Drain Pasta Thoroughly: Prevent soggy salad by ensuring pasta is completely dry after cooling, shaking colander and spreading pasta on kitchen towel to remove excess moisture.
• Marinate for Maximum Flavor: Let salad rest in refrigerator for at least an hour to allow ingredients to blend and develop deeper, more complex taste profile.
• Customize Cheese Options: Swap feta or goat cheese with vegan alternatives like nutritional yeast or cashew cheese for dairy-free dietary needs.
• Boost Protein Potential: Add grilled chicken, chickpeas, or tofu to transform this side dish into a satisfying main course with extra nutritional value.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Mixing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 7
• Calories: 300
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 450 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 34 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 9 g
• Cholesterol: 15 mg