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Spinach & Dill Pasta Salad

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Spinach & Dill Pasta Salad is a refreshing, vibrant dish that combines tender pasta with fresh spinach, dill, and a tangy dressing. Perfect as a light lunch, side dish, or picnic treat, this vegan and gluten-free salad is both flavorful and versatile.

Ingredients

  1. 8 oz pasta (such as penne, fusilli, or rotini)
    2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
    1/4 cup fresh dill, chopped (or 2 tablespoons dried dill)
    1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
    1/2 cup cucumber, diced
    1/4 cup olive oil
    2 tablespoons lemon juice
    1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
    1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
    1 tablespoon maple syrup (or agave syrup)
    Salt and pepper to taste
    Optional toppings: cherry tomatoes, avocado, or toasted nuts/seeds

Instructions

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to the package directions until al dente, then drain and rinse with cold water to cool it down quickly.

  1. While the pasta is cooling, chop the spinach, dill, red onion, and cucumber. Set aside.
  2. In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, maple syrup, salt, and pepper until well combined. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
  3. In a large bowl, combine the cooked and cooled pasta with the chopped spinach, dill, red onion, and cucumber.
  4. Pour the dressing over the pasta and vegetables, tossing everything together to coat evenly.
  5. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes for the flavors to meld. Serve chilled, garnished with optional toppings like cherry tomatoes, avocado, or toasted nuts/seeds.

Notes

  1. If you prefer a creamier version, add vegan yogurt, cashew cream, or tahini to the dressing.
  2. Add protein by tossing in chickpeas, grilled tofu, or vegan feta cheese.
  3. This pasta salad tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to meld.
  4. For extra crunch, add toasted almonds, sunflower seeds, or pine nuts.

Nutrition