Are you tired of boring, predictable salads that leave you craving excitement? Prepare to have your taste buds awakened by the most unexpected culinary sensation - our Orange and Spinach Pasta Salad! This isn't just another recipe; it's a vibrant symphony of flavors that transforms ordinary ingredients into a mouthwatering masterpiece. With a perfect balance of citrusy brightness, fresh spinach, and tangy dressing, this dish promises to be the star of your dining table, making even the most reluctant salad eaters come back for seconds!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 ounces pasta (fusilli or penne)
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 1 orange, peeled and segmented
- 1/4 cup red onion, diced
- 1/4 cup olives, sliced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 8 ounces of pasta (fusilli or penne), 2 cups of fresh spinach, 1 orange (peeled and segmented), 1/4 cup of diced red onion, 1/4 cup of sliced olives, 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 1 tablespoon of red wine vinegar, and salt and pepper to taste.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, usually around 8-10 minutes.
- While the pasta is cooking, prepare the dressing. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, and a pinch of salt and pepper until well combined. Set aside.
- Once the pasta is cooked, drain it in a colander and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it down. Allow it to drain completely.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, fresh spinach, orange segments, diced red onion, and sliced olives.
- Pour the dressing over the pasta salad and gently toss everything together until the ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing.
- Season the salad with additional salt and pepper to taste, adjusting according to your preference.
- Let the salad sit for about 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. This can also be served immediately if desired.
- Serve the Orange and Spinach Pasta Salad in individual bowls or on a large platter. Enjoy your refreshing and vibrant dish!
Tips
- Always cook pasta al dente to prevent a mushy texture
- Rinse pasta with cold water to stop cooking and prevent sticking
- Let the salad rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to enhance flavor melding
- Use fresh, high-quality olive oil for the best dressing results
- For extra flavor, consider toasting the olives lightly before adding them
- If preparing in advance, add spinach just before serving to keep it crisp
- Experiment with different pasta shapes for varied texture and visual appeal
- For a protein boost, add grilled chicken or feta cheese
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 280kcal
Carbohydrates: 40g
Protein: 8g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 0mg
