Name: Cranberry Feta Bowtie Salad with Spinach Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound bowtie pasta; 2 cups baby spinach; 2 cups arugula; 1/2 cup cranberries; 1/4 cup golden raisins; 1/2 cup walnut halves; 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese; 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar; 2 tablespoons honey; 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard; 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper; 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt; 1/2 cup olive oil

Jump to Recipe· 4.2 from 2 reviews

If you’re on the lookout for a vibrant, flavorful, and incredibly easy salad to brighten up any meal, the Cranberry Feta Bowtie Salad with Spinach Recipe is an absolute must-try. This delightful dish combines tender bowtie pasta with fresh baby spinach and arugula, tangy cranberries, sweet golden raisins, crunchy walnuts, and creamy feta cheese, all brought together by a zesty Dijon vinaigrette. Whether you’re heading to a potluck or craving something fresh for a holiday feast, this salad delivers a perfect harmony of textures and flavors in every bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A clear glass jar filled with a two-layer yellow mixture, the bottom layer is thicker with visible black and white pepper specks, while the top layer is smoother and lighter in color. The jar sits on a white plate, and inside the jar is a silver spoon standing upright. In the background, there is a blurred bottle with a beige label and a halved lemon. The whole setup is on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering simple yet essential ingredients sets the stage for this salad’s wonderful taste and texture. Each component plays a key role in balancing freshness, sweetness, creaminess, and crunch.

1 pound bowtie pasta: Provides a tender, chewy base that holds the dressing beautifully.
2 cups baby spinach: Adds vibrant color and mild earthiness to the mix.
2 cups arugula: Brings a peppery note that lifts the other flavors.
1/2 cup cranberries: Adds bursts of tartness and a cheerful red hue.
1/4 cup golden raisins: Offers natural sweetness and a delightful chewy texture.
1/2 cup walnut halves: Adds satisfying crunch and a slightly bitter undertone that balances the salad.
1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese: Brings creamy saltiness that complements the fruit perfectly.
1/4 cup balsamic vinegar: Provides rich acidity that brightens the dressing.
2 tablespoons honey: Sweetens the vinaigrette naturally, balancing the tang.
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard: Adds a zesty kick and helps emulsify the dressing.
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper: Provides a subtle warmth without overpowering.
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt: Enhances all the flavors in the salad.
1/2 cup olive oil: Brings a silky texture and richness to the dressing.

How to Make Cranberry Feta Bowtie Salad with Spinach Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Bowtie Pasta

Start by cooking the bowtie pasta according to the package directions until it’s perfectly al dente. This ensures the pasta maintains just enough bite without becoming mushy when tossed with the other ingredients. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside to cool. Cooling the pasta is important so it doesn’t wilt the fresh greens later on.

Step 2: Combine the Salad Base

In a large bowl, gently mix together the cooled pasta, baby spinach, arugula, cranberries, golden raisins, walnuts, and crumbled feta cheese. Each ingredient provides a unique texture and flavor that balances beautifully—fresh and peppery greens, sweet and tart fruits, crunchy nuts, and creamy cheese all in one bowl.

Step 3: Whisk the Dijon Vinaigrette

Whisk together balsamic vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, ground black pepper, kosher salt, and olive oil in a small bowl. This zesty dressing is the magic that ties the Cranberry Feta Bowtie Salad with Spinach Recipe together, giving it just the right amount of tang and sweetness with a smooth, rich finish.

Step 4: Toss and Serve

Pour your desired amount of the Dijon vinaigrette over the salad and combine everything gently. This prevents bruising the delicate greens while making sure every forkful is coated in delicious flavor. Your salad is now ready to enjoy or chill until serving time.

How to Serve Cranberry Feta Bowtie Salad with Spinach Recipe

A white speckled bowl filled with a pasta salad showing one layer of farfalle pasta in light golden color, mixed with fresh green arugula leaves scattered all over. The salad includes pieces of light beige cheese cubes and brown walnut halves placed on top and within the mix. Small dark red dried cranberries are spread throughout, adding color contrast to the dish. A silver fork is partially inserted into the salad on the right side of the bowl, resting on the food. This is all set on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

To elevate this salad even further, sprinkle extra crumbled feta or toasted walnut pieces on top just before serving. Freshly cracked black pepper or a light drizzle of good quality olive oil adds an attractive finishing touch and invites everyone to dig in.

Side Dishes

This salad pairs wonderfully with all sorts of mains—think grilled chicken, roast turkey, or hearty vegetarian dishes. Its fresh, sweet, and tangy profile acts as the perfect counterpoint to richer entrées, making your meal feel balanced and satisfying.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve this salad in individual clear jars or bowls for picnics or lunchboxes. Layering the ingredients creates a colorful presentation that showcases the vibrant spinach, cranberries, and feta. You could also add edible flowers or microgreens for a gourmet touch that wows guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover Cranberry Feta Bowtie Salad with Spinach Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to three days, though the pasta may absorb some dressing over time. Give it a gentle toss before serving again to redistribute the flavors.

Freezing

This salad is best enjoyed fresh and does not freeze well because the leafy greens and cheese can lose texture and flavor after thawing. For best results, only make as much as you plan to eat within a few days.

Reheating

Since this is a cold salad, reheating is not recommended. However, you can let it sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes if it feels too chilled from the fridge. This helps the flavors come alive without sacrificing texture.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta for this salad?

Absolutely! While bowtie pasta holds the dressing nicely and looks pretty, you can substitute with small shapes like rotini, penne, or shells. Just be sure to cook it al dente so it doesn’t become mushy in the salad.

Is there a good vegan alternative for the feta cheese?

Yes, you can replace feta with a plant-based cheese or omit it altogether. Adding extra toasted nuts or seeds can compensate for the savory depth that feta brings.

How do I make the salad less sweet?

You can reduce the amount of honey in the dressing or cut back on the golden raisins for a drier, less sweet flavor. Balancing tart cranberries with fewer sweet ingredients works well too.

Can I prepare this salad ahead of time for a party?

Yes, you can prepare the pasta, dressing, and chopping ingredients in advance. Toss everything together just before serving for the freshest taste and best texture.

What if I don’t have balsamic vinegar? What can I use instead?

Red wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar make good substitutes that also provide a bright acidity, though the flavor will be slightly different. Adjust the honey amount to balance the tang accordingly.

Final Thoughts

I genuinely hope you give this Cranberry Feta Bowtie Salad with Spinach Recipe a try because it’s such an effortless way to bring a burst of fresh, comforting flavor to your table. It’s quick to whip up, looks gorgeous, and tastes like a festive celebration in every bite. Once you try it, I’m sure you’ll want to keep it on your rotation for potlucks, holiday dinners, or any day that calls for something vibrant and satisfying. Enjoy every forkful!