This colorful salad combines fresh spinach, juicy tomatoes, and creamy feta cheese for a vibrant dish that’s both healthy and tasty. It’s super quick to whip up, perfect for lunch or a side!
Honestly, it’s hard to beat such a delightful mix of flavors. I love tossing in a little olive oil and lemon juice for a zesty kick. You can even add some nuts for extra crunch—yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Baby Spinach: Fresh spinach gives this salad a mild, earthy flavor. If you can’t find baby spinach, regular spinach works too! Just chop it into bite-size pieces.
Cherry Tomatoes: Their sweetness and juiciness are key. If they’re out of season, consider using diced regular tomatoes. Grape tomatoes are another good option!
Feta Cheese: Feta adds a salty, creamy touch. If you’re dairy-free, try crumbled tofu or a nut-based cheese for a similar texture and flavor. You can also use goat cheese if you prefer.
Red Bell Pepper: The sweetness and crunch of red bell peppers are hard to beat. Yellow or orange bell peppers will work well too. For a spicy kick, try jalapeño instead!
How Do I Make the Perfect Dressing?
The dressing ties the salad together beautifully. Here’s how to ensure it’s perfect:
- In a small bowl, combine olive oil and fresh lemon juice. This brings freshness to the salad.
- Add dried oregano for flavor. Feel free to use fresh herbs if you have them—basil or parsley are great options!
- Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Mix well!
- For extra creaminess, whisk in a teaspoon of Dijon mustard or honey, if you like a bit of sweetness.
Pour this dressing over your salad, and don’t be shy—give everything a good toss to really combine those flavors! Enjoy your fresh and healthy salad.
Easy Spinach Tomato Salad with Feta Cheese
Ingredients:
- 4 cups fresh baby spinach leaves, roughly chopped
- 1 1/2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup red bell pepper, diced
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 8 oz pasta shells (optional)
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Time Needed:
This delicious salad only takes about 15-20 minutes to prepare! If you’re cooking pasta, include an extra 10 minutes for boiling. Quick, easy, and packed with flavor—perfect for a busy day!
Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta (if using):
Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and add the pasta shells. Cook according to the package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes. Once done, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to cool it down. Set aside.
2. Prepare the Vegetables:
In a large salad bowl, toss together the chopped baby spinach, halved cherry tomatoes, diced red bell pepper, and finely chopped red onion. This mix will bring lots of freshness and crunch!
3. Add the Pasta:
If you decided to use pasta, now’s the time! Add the cooled pasta shells to the salad bowl and give everything a gentle toss to combine.
4. Add Feta and Seasoning:
Sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese all over the salad. In a small bowl or jar, mix together the olive oil, fresh lemon juice, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Whisk until well combined and pour it over the salad.
5. Toss and Garnish:
Gently toss everything together so the dressing coats all the ingredients evenly. Finally, garnish your salad with freshly chopped parsley for that extra pop of color!
This Easy Spinach Tomato Salad with Feta Cheese is not only fresh and vibrant, but it’s also a fantastic dish for lunch or as a lovely side at your next meal. Enjoy every delicious bite!
Can I Use Different Types of Cheese?
Absolutely! While feta cheese adds a wonderful tangy flavor, you can substitute it with goat cheese, mozzarella, or even a dairy-free cheese if you’re following a specific diet. Each will give a different twist to the salad!
How Can I Make This Salad Vegan?
To make this salad vegan, simply omit the feta cheese or replace it with a plant-based alternative. You can also add ingredients like avocado or roasted chickpeas for creaminess and protein.
What Should I Do with Leftover Salad?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Just note that the dressing might make the greens a bit wilted. For best texture, store the dressing separately and add it just before eating!
Can I Add More Vegetables?
Definitely! Feel free to get creative by adding your favorite veggies like cucumbers, radishes, or even roasted veggies for added flavor and nutrition. Just chop them into bite-sized pieces for easy eating!
