Name: Spinach Pasta Salad
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 13 min
Total time: 23 min
Yield: 6
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 8 ounces bow-tie whole grain pasta, or pasta of choice (gluten-free pasta works as well); 12 cups of organic baby spinach; 1-pint tri-colored grape tomatoes, sliced in halves, or cherry tomatoes; 1 cup purple cabbage; 1 cup pickled red onions or raw red onions (white onions work as well); 1 zucchini serialized or cut into coins and cut in halves; 1 crown of broccoli, cut into bite-sized pieces (raw or cooked with the pasta for the last 7 minutes and then cooled); 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar; 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar; 3 Tablespoons dijon mustard; 3 Tablespoons maple syrup; 2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice; 1 Tablespoon Italian Seasoning

Even though I love pasta, I know I need to eat more vegetables than I do pasta. For that reason, I wanted to make a satisfying salad loaded with vegetables but very little pasta. As a result, I get the best of both worlds! Spinach pasta salad, for instance, is 90% vegetables, 10 % whole grain pasta with an oil-free balsamic dressing. Not only is spinach pasta salad delicious, but it’s also filling and delicious!

WHAT VEGETABLES ARE IN SPINACH PASTA SALAD RECIPE?

When I decided to build spinach pasta salad, I used a variety of vegetables I already prepped during the week. For example, I spiralized zucchini for Zoodle Pad Thai Recipe. Other vegetables I used for spinach pasta salad include:

Organic spinach
Tri-colored tomatoes
Simple Rosemary Infused Pickled Red Onions
Broccoli
Purple cabbage

BUILDING VEGAN SPINACH PASTA SALAD WITH FRESH VEGETABLES

First, add the spinach to a large bowl and top with assorted vegetables for the exception of the broccoli. Another tip, if using the Simple Rosemary Infused Pickled Red Onions, is to lay them on a paper towel to drain before adding to the spinach pasta salad.

Instead of steaming the broccoli separately, I simply add the broccoli to the boiling pasta for the last 7 minutes. Not only does it save time, but you also use one pan. Next, simply rinse the broccoli and the pasta, in cold water, together before adding to spinach pasta salad.

Additionally, I suggest making the oil-free balsamic dressing for spinach pasta salad, but don’t dress until serving. If you are looking for a different dressing alternative, try my Vegan Ranch Dressing.

WHAT INGREDIENTS ARE IN SPINACH PASTA SALAD DRESSING?

As always, the dressing is my favorite part of the salad. For spinach pasta salad, I chose a balsamic dressing because it enhances the taste of the Simple Rosemary Infused Pickled Red Onions, vegetables, and pasta.

Once the dressing ingredients are whisked together, simply refrigerate the dressing. Then, wait until the spinach pasta salad is ready to be served.

OIL-FREE BALSAMIC DRESSING

1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
3 Tablespoons dijon mustard
3 Tablespoons maple syrup
2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
1 Tablespoon Italian Seasoning

After the salad is dressed, toss in the dressing and serve in individual bowls. And, don’t be surprised if someone asks for more. Furthermore, if you plan to meal prep, make sure to serve the dressing on the side.

LOVE HEALTHY SALADS LOADED WITH UNIQUE INGREDIENTS? WE’VE GOT YOU COVERED!

6 servings