Best 8 Tangy Pasta Salad With Spinach Recipes

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**Tangy Pasta Salad with Spinach: A Refreshing and Flavorful Summer Dish**

When the temperatures start to rise, there's nothing quite like a refreshing and flavorful pasta salad to hit the spot. This tangy pasta salad with spinach is a perfect choice, with its bright and zesty dressing, tender pasta, and crisp spinach. It's a great dish for potlucks, picnics, or simply as a light and easy meal on a hot summer day.

This tangy pasta salad features a combination of textures and flavors that makes it a truly satisfying dish. The tangy dressing is made with a blend of olive oil, vinegar, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and herbs, giving it a bright and slightly acidic flavor. The tender pasta provides a chewy base for the salad, while the crisp spinach adds a refreshing crunch. Other ingredients, such as cherry tomatoes, red onion, and crumbled feta cheese, add pops of color and flavor to the mix.

The tangy pasta salad is not only delicious but also versatile. It can be easily customized to suit your preferences. For example, you can add grilled chicken or shrimp for a protein boost, or swap out the spinach for another type of leafy green, such as kale or arugula. You can also adjust the amount of dressing used to suit your taste.

With its vibrant flavors and customizable nature, this tangy pasta salad is a dish that everyone will enjoy. It's perfect for summer gatherings or as a quick and easy meal on a busy weeknight. So, gather your ingredients and get ready to make this refreshing and flavorful pasta salad.

Here are our top 8 tried and tested recipes!

ITALIAN PASTA SALAD RECIPE



Italian Pasta Salad Recipe image

This is one satisfying and flavor-packed cold pasta salad with crunchy veggies, fresh herbs, rustic old-world salami, tangy olives, and mozzarella. A zesty Italian dressing brings it all together.

Provided by Suzy Karadsheh

Categories     Salad

Number Of Ingredients 18

¾ lb pasta, ((I recommend fusilli or rotini pasta) )
Kosher salt
1 pint cherry tomatoes (halved)
1 bell pepper (any color, cored and chopped)
1 shallot (chopped)
1 cup marinated artichoke hearts (6 ounces)
1/4 cup pitted kalamata olives
6 pepperoncini, (chopped)
6 to 8 ounces salami, (sliced into bite size pieces )
6 ounces mozzarella cheese, (torn (or mozzarella cheese balls))
½ cup packed chopped fresh parsley
½ cup packed chopped fresh basil leaves
¼ cup olive oil
2 tablespoons white wine vinegar
2 garlic cloves, (minced)
1 teaspoon dried oregano
½ to 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
Kosher salt and black pepper

Steps:

  • Cook the pasta in boiling water according to package instructions until the pasta is cooked to al dante (don't forget to salt your water). Drain
  • In a large bowl, mix the pasta with the tomatoes, chopped veggies, artichoke hearts, olives, pepperoncini, salami, mozzarella, and fresh herbs.
  • In a small bowl or measuring cup, mix the dressing ingredients together.
  • Pour the dressing over the pasta and toss to coat.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 292.3 kcal, Carbohydrate 31.1 g, Protein 13.2 g, SaturatedFat 4.6 g, Cholesterol 26.9 mg, Sodium 748.4 mg, Fiber 2.7 g, ServingSize 1 serving

SPINACH PASTA SALAD



Spinach Pasta Salad image

Tangy, garlicky, peppery pasta salad stays fresh for days making it perfect for lunches throughout the week or for an easy make-ahead dinner.

Provided by Mary Younkin

Categories     Main Course

Time 20m

Number Of Ingredients 10

8 ounces bowtie pasta
1/2 very small red onion (thinly sliced and cut into 1-inch pieces, about 1/4 cup)
3 large cloves garlic (minced)
6 tablespoons olive oil
1/4 cup red wine vinegar
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
4 cups baby spinach
2 cups grape tomatoes (halved)
grated fresh Parmesan (optional)

Steps:

  • Bring a large pot of water to a boil along with 1 tablespoon kosher salt. Cook the pasta according to the package directions. Drain, but do not rinse the pasta.
  • While the pasta is cooking, place the onions and garlic in a large mixing bowl. Add the olive oil and vinegar to cover the onions. When the pasta has been drained, add it to the mixing bowl and toss well. Add the tomatoes and spinach.
  • Toss everything together to mix well and sprinkle generously with salt and pepper. Taste the salad and add more salt and pepper, as needed. Sprinkle with Parmesan, if desired. Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts : Calories 210 kcal, Carbohydrate 23 g, Protein 4 g, Fat 11 g, SaturatedFat 1 g, Sodium 306 mg, Fiber 1 g, Sugar 1 g, ServingSize 1 serving

SPINACH PASTA SALAD



Spinach Pasta Salad image

A unique salad, packed with iron! Your kids will eat spinach, as long as you don't tell them it's spinach. Popeye would have loved this!

Provided by Kim Fusich

Categories     Salad     100+ Pasta Salad Recipes     Spinach Pasta Salad

Time 2h25m

Yield 8

Number Of Ingredients 10

1 (12 ounce) package farfalle pasta
10 ounces baby spinach, rinsed and torn into bite-size piece
2 ounces crumbled feta cheese with basil and tomato
1 red onion, chopped
1 (15 ounce) can black olives, drained and chopped
1 cup Italian-style salad dressing
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 lemon, juiced
½ teaspoon garlic salt
½ teaspoon ground black pepper

Steps:

  • In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook pasta until al dente, rinse under cold water and drain.
  • In a large bowl, combine the pasta, spinach, cheese, red onion and olives.
  • Whisk together the salad dressing, garlic, lemon juice, garlic salt and pepper. Pour over salad and toss. Refrigerate for 2 hours and serve chilled.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 334.1 calories, Carbohydrate 41.8 g, Cholesterol 6.3 mg, Fat 16.6 g, Fiber 4.8 g, Protein 8.6 g, SaturatedFat 3.4 g, Sodium 1167.1 mg, Sugar 4.9 g

TANGY SPINACH SALAD



Tangy Spinach Salad image

This is great salad for a potluck or BBQ. I always get lots of compliments and requests for the recipe. Ensure that dressing is thoroughly mixed before tossing with salad, it will separate while chilling.

Provided by Bmlove

Categories     Salad     Vegetable Salad Recipes

Time 2h20m

Yield 8

Number Of Ingredients 12

½ onion, chopped
⅓ cup white sugar
¼ cup apple cider vinegar
¼ cup canola oil
1 ½ tablespoons prepared yellow mustard
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon celery seed
¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
1 (9 ounce) bag fresh spinach, chopped
⅔ cup herb-seasoned stuffing mix (such as Pepperidge Farm® Cubed Herb Seasoned Stuffing)
3 hard-boiled eggs, crumbled
⅓ cup crumbled cooked bacon

Steps:

  • Whisk onion, sugar, apple cider vinegar, canola oil, yellow mustard, salt, celery seed, and black pepper together in a bowl until well combined. Chill in refrigerator at least 2 hours to blend flavors.
  • Mix spinach, stuffing mix, eggs, and bacon together in a large bowl. Add dressing and stir to coat.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 242.4 calories, Carbohydrate 23.5 g, Cholesterol 87.9 mg, Fat 13 g, Fiber 1.5 g, Protein 8.1 g, SaturatedFat 2.3 g, Sodium 665.7 mg, Sugar 10.4 g

TANGY PASTA SALAD



Tangy Pasta Salad image

MIRACLE WHIP Dressing gives this bacon and pasta salad its creamy, tangy appeal.

Provided by My Food and Family

Categories     Home

Time 3h40m

Yield Makes 16 servings, 2/3 cup each.

Number Of Ingredients 8

6 slices OSCAR MAYER Bacon
1 cup MIRACLE WHIP Dressing
2 Tbsp. sugar
1/2 tsp. garlic salt
1 pkg. (16 oz.) pasta (such as mostaccioli, macaroni or rotini), cooked, drained
3 carrots, shredded
1 small red or yellow onion, sliced
1 medium green pepper, chopped

Steps:

  • Cook bacon in skillet on medium heat to desired crispness, turning frequently. Drain bacon, reserving 2 Tbsp. of the drippings. Crumble bacon; set aside.
  • Mix reserved drippings, the dressing, sugar and garlic salt in large bowl. Add all remaining ingredients except bacon; mix lightly. Cover.
  • Refrigerate several hours or until chilled. Sprinkle with crumbled bacon just before serving.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 190, Fat 7 g, SaturatedFat 1.5 g, TransFat 0 g, Cholesterol 5 mg, Sodium 250 mg, Carbohydrate 0 g, Fiber 1 g, Sugar 0 g, Protein 5 g

TANGY SPINACH SALAD



Tangy Spinach Salad image

Bacon and chow mein noodles bring lively crunch to this refreshing salad. "I made this for two of my best girlfriends and they loved it. One even served it to her husband for weeks!" Judy Sellgren - Grand Rapids, Michigan

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Lunch

Time 10m

Yield 6 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 10

3 tablespoons sugar
3 tablespoons cider vinegar
3 tablespoons canola oil
3 tablespoons ketchup
1-1/2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon dried minced onion
1 package (6 ounces) fresh baby spinach
3 hard-boiled large eggs, chopped
1/3 cup chow mein noodles
1/3 cup real bacon bits

Steps:

  • In a jar with a tight-fitting lid, combine the first six ingredients; shake well. In a large bowl, combine the spinach, eggs, chow mein noodles and bacon. Drizzle with dressing; toss to coat. Refrigerate leftovers.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 175 calories, Fat 11g fat (2g saturated fat), Cholesterol 110mg cholesterol, Sodium 373mg sodium, Carbohydrate 12g carbohydrate (9g sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 7g protein.

TANGY VEGETABLE PASTA SALAD



Tangy Vegetable Pasta Salad image

The variety of ingredients in Wilma Jones' delicious pasta salad will take your taste buds in different directions. "It's surprising how well the zippy citrus and raw vegetable flavors blend," she comments from Mobile, Alabama.

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Lunch

Time 30m

Yield 6 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 17

2-1/4 cups uncooked spiral pasta
2 tablespoons lemon juice
3 plum tomatoes, sliced
1/2 cup chopped green pepper
1/2 cup sliced radishes
1/2 cup chopped peeled cucumber
DRESSING:
1/3 cup spicy hot V8 juice
1/4 cup orange juice
2 tablespoons lemon juice
2 tablespoons chopped green onion
1 tablespoon canola oil
1-1/2 teaspoons sugar
1 teaspoon grated lemon zest
1 teaspoon grated orange zest
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon dill weed

Steps:

  • Cook pasta according to package directions, adding the lemon juice to the water. Drain and cool. , In a large bowl, combine the pasta, tomatoes, green pepper, radishes and cucumber. In a small bowl, whisk the dressing ingredients. Pour over salad; toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate until serving.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 184 calories, Fat 3g fat (1g saturated fat), Cholesterol 0 cholesterol, Sodium 254mg sodium, Carbohydrate 31g carbohydrate (0 sugars, Fiber 2g fiber), Protein 8g protein. Diabetic Exchanges

SWEET AND TANGY PASTA SALAD



Sweet and Tangy Pasta Salad image

June Herke WATERTOWN, SOUTH DAKOTA I'm a retired farmwife and one of 16 children. I learned lots about cooking from my mother. This recipe is my version of a much simpler one.

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Lunch

Time 25m

Yield 16 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 14

1 package (16 ounces) spiral pasta
1 medium cucumber, finely chopped
1 jar (8 ounces) whole baby corn, drained and cut into 1/2-inch pieces
1 jar (7-1/2 ounces) marinated artichoke hearts, drained
1 cup sliced pimiento-stuffed olives
1 cup sliced ripe olives
1/2 cup finely chopped sweet red pepper
1/4 cup finely chopped onion
DRESSING:
1 cup canola oil
1 cup cider vinegar
1 cup sugar
1/2 teaspoon pepper
2 tablespoons minced fresh parsley

Steps:

  • Cook pasta according to package directions. Meanwhile, in a large bowl, combine the cucumber, corn, artichokes, olives, red pepper and onion. Drain pasta and rinse in cold water; stir into vegetable mixture. , In a small bowl, whisk the dressing ingredients. Pour over salad; toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours. Serve with a slotted spoon.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 332 calories, Fat 19g fat (2g saturated fat), Cholesterol 0 cholesterol, Sodium 330mg sodium, Carbohydrate 38g carbohydrate (14g sugars, Fiber 2g fiber), Protein 4g protein.

Tips:

  • Choose the right pasta. Short, sturdy pastas like penne, rotini, or fusilli are good choices for pasta salad. They hold up well to being tossed and coated in dressing.
  • Cook the pasta al dente. This means that the pasta should be cooked until it is just tender, but still has a slight bite to it. Overcooked pasta will be mushy and won't hold its shape well in the salad.
  • Use a flavorful dressing. A good dressing will help to bring all of the flavors of the salad together. You can use a store-bought dressing or make your own. If you are making your own dressing, be sure to use fresh ingredients and adjust the seasonings to your taste.
  • Add some vegetables. Vegetables add color, texture, and nutrients to pasta salad. Some good choices include cherry tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, and spinach.
  • Don't forget the protein. Protein helps to make pasta salad a more satisfying meal. You can add cooked chicken, shrimp, or tofu to your salad. You can also use a plant-based protein, such as beans or lentils.
  • Chill the salad before serving. This will help the flavors to meld and the salad will be more refreshing.

Conclusion:

Pasta salad is a versatile and delicious dish that can be enjoyed for lunch, dinner, or as a side dish. With so many different variations, there is sure to be a pasta salad recipe that everyone will enjoy. So next time you're looking for a quick and easy meal, give pasta salad a try. Experiment and discover a flavorful combination of flavors and textures that suits your dietary preferences and taste.

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