Description
A vibrant and zesty pasta salad featuring tender pasta, fresh spinach, cherry tomatoes, and red onion, all tossed in a bright lemon vinaigrette. This dish is perfect for a light meal, potluck, or picnic.
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 oz rotini pasta (or any short pasta)
- 2 cups baby spinach, roughly chopped
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool.
- In a large bowl, whisk together all lemon vinaigrette ingredients until well combined.
- Add the cooked pasta, spinach, tomatoes, red onion, and parsley to the bowl.
- Toss everything with the vinaigrette until evenly coated.
- Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese, taste, and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Serve immediately or chill for 30 minutes to let the flavors meld.
Notes
- For extra protein, try adding grilled chicken, chickpeas, or tuna.
- You can also swap spinach for arugula or kale for a bolder bite.
- If prepping ahead, keep the dressing separate until ready to serve to avoid soggy greens.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Side Dish
- Method: Pasta Salad
- Cuisine: Mediterranean-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approx.)
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 3g
- Fat: 16g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 9g
Keywords: Zesty Lemon Spinach Pasta, Lemon Spinach Pasta Salad, Easy Zesty Lemon Spinach Pasta, Quick Lemon Spinach Pasta, Lemon Garlic Spinach Pasta