Summertime means grilling and spending time outside. I’m always looking for light summer pasta salads and this Pasta Spinach Salad is one of those recipes! We enjoy it so much I usually double the recipe! When you’re looking for a light and flavorful salad look no further than this delicious concoction.
Pasta Spinach Salad
Ingredients:
6oz of pasta (I used bow ties)
2 cups torn fresh spinach
1 cup grape tomatoes
¼ cup sliced scallions
2 Tbsp lemon juice
1 tsp Dijon mustard
2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
½ tsp salt
½ tsp sugar
Toasted pine nuts
Directions:
Bring a large pot of water to boil and cook the pasta according to the package directions. Drain the pasta well in a colander.
In a large bowl, combine the cooked and drained pasta, the spinach, tomatoes and scallions. In a small bowl, combine all the remaining ingredients except the pine nuts; mix well. Pour dressing over the spinach-pasta mixture; toss well. Top with toasted pine nuts.
Serve immediately. Serves 6-8 servings.
This salad paired well with grilled pork glazed with my rhubarbeque sauce! It would be equally as delicious with any summertime meal like grilled chicken or even hamburgers.
I love using cooked pasta when making summertime salads. You can mix up the salad in the morning, put it in the fridge and enjoy a cool meal at the end of the day.
If you plan to mix up this salad a head of time I would suggest mixing the pasta with the spinach, tomatoes and scallions. Then cover and chill and just before serving add the dressing.
Nancy on the Home Front 