Feast your eyes on a delightful pasta salad brimming with vibrant flavors and textures. This culinary masterpiece combines the tangy zest of feta cheese, the earthy goodness of spinach, and the nutty crunch of pecans, all harmoniously blended with a zesty lemon dressing. But that's not all! This versatile recipe offers three enticing variations to suit every palate. Craving a vegetarian delight? Opt for the classic Feta Spinach and Pecan Pasta Salad. For a protein-packed punch, indulge in the Chicken Feta Spinach and Pecan Pasta Salad, where tender chicken joins the party. And if you're a seafood enthusiast, the Shrimp Feta Spinach and Pecan Pasta Salad will tantalize your taste buds with succulent shrimp. No matter your preference, these pasta salads promise a symphony of flavors that will elevate your next potluck, picnic, or casual family gathering.
Let's cook with our recipes!
SPINACH, APPLE & PECAN SALAD
One day, company was on the way, and I forgot to buy salad fixings. Scavenging the fridge for ingredients, I pulled these together and invented a salad superstar. -Kelly Walsh, Aviston, Illinois
Provided by Taste of Home
Categories Lunch
Time 15m
Yield 16 servings.
Number Of Ingredients 13
Steps:
- In a large bowl, combine the first 6 ingredients; stir in bacon if desired., For dressing, in a small bowl, whisk vinegar, sugar, mustard and pepper until blended. Gradually whisk in oil. Pour over salad; toss to coat.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 109 calories, Fat 8g fat (1g saturated fat), Cholesterol 4mg cholesterol, Sodium 116mg sodium, Carbohydrate 9g carbohydrate (6g sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 2g protein. Diabetic Exchanges
RAW KALE SALAD WITH FETA, APPLES, AND PECANS
I have never used raw kale for anything except juicing, so I was really pleased that my first attempt at making a salad with it was a success. Even though I see variations of this recipe on menus all the time, I was not sure how it would work for me in a salad, so I was a bit intimidated. Browsing through the internet I found an article on massaging kale and I decided to give it a try. This is an absolute MUST if you do not want to feel like you are eating plastic. It was so good, I will have to make it again and try it out on my finicky family.
Provided by GurlieGyrl
Categories Salad Green Salad Recipes Kale Salad Recipes
Time 20m
Yield 4
Number Of Ingredients 9
Steps:
- Heat olive oil in a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add pecans; cook and stir until fragrant, about 5 minutes. Transfer to a small bowl and sprinkle with stevia and chipotle powder; toss until well coated.
- Place kale in a large bowl. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with salt. Massage until leaves begin to soften, about 2 minutes. Add diced apple and spiced pecans. Fold in feta cheese.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 317.7 calories, Carbohydrate 30.1 g, Cholesterol 16.7 mg, Fat 20.4 g, Fiber 6.6 g, Protein 11.4 g, SaturatedFat 4.5 g, Sodium 596.7 mg, Sugar 4.9 g
SPINACH PECAN SALAD
Steps:
- Wash and dry the spinach until you're absolutely sure it's clean; spinach can hold a lot of grit. When you're sure it's clean and dry, put it in a salad bowl, and sprinkle it with salt, and squeeze the leaves gently with your hands. You'll find that the spinach "deflates," or sort of gets a bit limp and reduces in volume. Add the scallions to the bowl. Pour on the olive oil, and toss the salad thoroughly. Add the lemon juice, and toss again. Top with the pecans, and serve.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 263 calorie, Fat 24 grams, SaturatedFat 2 grams, Carbohydrate 12 grams, Fiber 7 grams
SPINACH PASTA SALAD WITH FETA
This is a delicious and light Pasta Salad that my sister-in-law Denise makes at family gatherings. It is so easy to make and the kids like it too! If you can find "Girard's Light Champagne Salad Dressing" in your grocery, use this. Otherwise, a light Italian will substitute fine. (Fat frees are too sweet)!
Provided by Pam-I-Am
Categories Brunch
Time 25m
Yield 10 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 7
Steps:
- Boil the pasta till done (about 10 minutes) and cool.
- Toss all the ingredients together, except baby spinach. Add about 1/2 the bottle of the dressing and refrigerate.
- When you are ready to serve, add spinach and more dressing to your taste (about another 1/4 of the bottle).
- Serve.
Tips:
- Prep the ingredients beforehand: Dice the tomatoes, slice the mushrooms, and cook the pasta while the dressing is being made to save time and ensure an efficient cooking process.
- Choose the right pasta: Short pasta shapes like penne, rotini, or fusilli are ideal for this salad as they hold the dressing and ingredients well.
- Use fresh spinach: Fresh spinach leaves add a vibrant color and a slightly peppery flavor to the salad. If using frozen spinach, thaw and squeeze out excess moisture before using.
- Toast the pecans: Toasting the pecans enhances their flavor and adds a nutty crunch to the salad. Keep an eye on them while toasting to prevent burning.
- Make the dressing in advance: The dressing can be made a few hours or even a day before assembling the salad. This allows the flavors to meld and develop.
- Adjust the dressing to your taste: The amount of lemon juice, honey, and Dijon mustard in the dressing can be adjusted to suit your personal preferences.
Conclusion:
This feta spinach and pecan pasta salad is a versatile and flavorful dish that is perfect for summer gatherings, potlucks, or as a light and refreshing meal. With its combination of flavors and textures, this salad is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. The creamy feta cheese, tangy dressing, and crunchy pecans complement the tender spinach and cooked pasta, creating a delightful balance of flavors and textures in every bite. Whether you're looking for a quick and easy lunch option or a side dish to accompany grilled meats or roasted vegetables, this salad is a great choice. So next time you're in search of a delicious and satisfying salad, give this feta spinach and pecan pasta salad a try – you won't be disappointed!
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