This fresh spinach and tomato salad topped with crumbly feta cheese is a simple delight. It’s light, colorful, and bursting with flavor!
Honestly, I could eat this salad every day. The creamy feta makes it feel fancy, but it’s super quick to whip up—perfect for busy nights or a sunny lunch! 🌞
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Spinach: Fresh baby spinach is perfect here. If you’re a fan of heartier greens, you can swap it for kale or arugula. Just remember that kale may need a bit of massaging to soften it up!
Cherry Tomatoes: The sweetness of cherry tomatoes is fantastic, but feel free to use diced regular tomatoes if you can’t find them. On the other hand, grape tomatoes work well too, just cut them in half.
Orecchiette Pasta: This pasta adds a nice texture but isn’t necessary. You can use any small pasta like rotini or orzo. If you want to keep it low-carb, you can skip the pasta altogether.
Feta Cheese: I love the salty, creamy feta, but if you’re dairy-free, try a vegan feta or omit it entirely. Cottage cheese or goat cheese are also delicious alternatives!
Red Onion: Red onion gives a bit of bite, but if you want something milder, use green onions or even thin slices of white onion. Soaking them in water for a bit can help reduce the sharpness.
How Do I Make a Flavorful Dressing?
The dressing is key to bringing all the flavors together, so let’s get it right! Start by whisking together the olive oil, red wine vinegar (or lemon juice), dried oregano, sea salt, and freshly ground black pepper in a small bowl. Here are some tips to make it great:
- Use good quality olive oil for the best flavor.
- If you prefer a sweeter dressing, add a touch of honey or maple syrup.
- Always taste your dressing before adding it to the salad and adjust the seasoning—everyone’s palate is different!
Once combined, pour the dressing over your salad and toss gently. Tossing evenly ensures every bite is delicious, so don’t skip this step!
Easy Spinach Tomato Salad With Feta Cheese
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Fresh Ingredients:
- 3 cups fresh baby spinach, roughly chopped
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, quartered
- 1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Optional Ingredients:
- 1 cup cooked orecchiette pasta (optional for added substance)
- 1/3 cup crumbled feta cheese
Dressing Ingredients:
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp red wine vinegar or lemon juice
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious salad takes about 10 minutes of prep time if you’re not using pasta, and about 20 minutes if you’re cooking the pasta. It’s a quick and easy dish, perfect for a healthy lunch or as a side for dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta (If Using):
If you’re adding pasta, cook the orecchiette according to the package instructions until al dente. Once done, drain it and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set it aside to cool.
2. Prepare the Vegetables:
In a large mixing bowl, toss together the roughly chopped spinach, quartered cherry tomatoes, finely chopped red onion, and chopped fresh parsley. This colorful mix will form the base of your salad!
3. Add the Pasta and Feta:
If you cooked the orecchiette, add it to the bowl with the veggies. Next, crumble the feta cheese over the salad. The creamy feta adds a delightful tang!
4. Make the Dressing:
In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar (or lemon juice), dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Give it a good mix until everything is nicely combined.
5. Combine Everything:
Pour the dressing over your salad mixture and toss gently to ensure everything is evenly coated. This step is key to making every bite full of flavor!
6. Taste and Adjust:
Take a quick taste and adjust the seasoning as needed—add extra salt or pepper if you like it spicier.
7. Serve or Chill:
Enjoy your salad right away for the freshest taste, or let it chill in the fridge for 15-30 minutes to let the flavors meld together. Either way, it’s a delightful dish!
This fresh and vibrant salad combines the earthiness of spinach, the juicy sweetness of ripe tomatoes, and the tangy creaminess of feta, brought together with a simple zesty dressing. Enjoy your meal! 🍅🥗
FAQ for Easy Spinach Tomato Salad With Feta Cheese
Can I Use Different Greens Instead of Spinach?
Absolutely! While spinach adds a lovely freshness, you can substitute it with kale, arugula, or mixed greens. If you choose kale, remember to massage it a bit to soften its texture.
What Can I Substitute for Feta Cheese?
If you’re not a feta fan or need a dairy-free option, consider using crumbled goat cheese, cottage cheese, or a vegan feta. Each will give a different flavor profile, so choose according to your taste!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you’ve added pasta, the salad may become a bit soggy, but it’ll still taste great! Just give it a hearty toss before serving again.
Can I Add More Ingredients to This Salad?
Definitely! Feel free to customize your salad by adding additional ingredients. Some great options include grilled chicken, chickpeas for protein, sliced cucumbers, or bell peppers for extra crunch!
