If you’re on the hunt for a vibrant and utterly delicious pasta salad, the Artichoke & Spinach Pasta Salad Recipe is going to become your new best friend in the kitchen. This dish perfectly balances fresh, crisp veggies with creamy, flavorful dressing and tender farfalle pasta, crafting a medley packed with texture and zest. It’s as visually appealing as it is tasty, making it an ideal choice for potlucks, picnics, or a refreshing weeknight dinner. You’ll love how effortlessly the distinct tastes of artichokes, spinach, kalamata olives, and parmesan come together in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, quality ingredients is key to nailing this recipe, and each one plays an essential role in building the salad’s character. From the bowtie pasta’s playful shape to the punch of flavor from seasonings and fresh veggies, every element is carefully chosen to create a perfect harmony of taste, texture, and color.
- 12 ounces farfalle (bowtie) pasta: The ideal pasta shape holds onto the dressing and adds a lovely bite to every forkful.
- ¾ cup mayonnaise: Provides the rich, creamy base that ties all ingredients together beautifully.
- ½ cup milk: Helps loosen the dressing, keeping it light and silky without overpowering flavors.
- 1 packet Artichoke & Spinach Warm Dip Mix: A bold seasoning blend that brings a unique and savory twist to the salad.
- 2 teaspoons Onion Onion™ Seasoning: Adds a subtle yet essential depth to the dressing with its onion-packed flavor.
- 1 teaspoon Seasoned Salt: Balances the seasoning perfectly, enhancing the overall flavor profile.
- 1 (14 ounce) can quartered artichoke hearts, drained: Delivers tender, tangy bites that complement the creamy dressing flawlessly.
- 1 pint grape tomatoes: Burst with sweetness and add vibrant color to brighten the dish.
- ½ cup pitted kalamata olives, halved: Bring a salty, briny contrast that awakens the palate.
- 2 cups fresh baby spinach leaves: Refreshing, tender greens that add a mild earthiness and visual appeal.
- ½ cup shredded Parmesan cheese: Lends a savory, nutty finish that rounds out the flavors wonderfully.
How to Make Artichoke & Spinach Pasta Salad Recipe
Step 1: Cook and Cool the Pasta
Start by boiling the farfalle pasta according to the package directions until it’s tender but still has a little bite, also known as al dente. Once cooked, drain it well, then rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool the pasta down completely. This step is crucial because serving warm pasta will wilt the fresh ingredients and make the salad less refreshing.
Step 2: Whisk the Dressing
In a large mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise and milk to create a creamy base. Next, whisk in the Artichoke & Spinach Warm Dip Mix, Onion Onion™ seasoning, and seasoned salt until everything is thoroughly blended. This homemade dressing is the hero of the recipe, infusing every bite with exciting, layered flavors that complement the fresh vegetables and pasta beautifully.
Step 3: Toss in the Vegetables and Cheese
Gently fold the cooled pasta into the dressing along with quartered artichoke hearts, juicy grape tomatoes, halved kalamata olives, fresh baby spinach leaves, and shredded Parmesan cheese. Toss everything carefully to ensure each ingredient is evenly coated and the salad looks colorful and inviting. This step builds the salad’s vibrant texture and taste that you’ll find impossible to resist.
Step 4: Chill or Serve Immediately
You can serve this salad right away if you’re in a rush or prefer a room-temperature dish, but letting it chill for an hour or two enhances the flavors as they meld together. If preparing in advance, simply cover and refrigerate the salad until ready to serve. This flexibility makes the Artichoke & Spinach Pasta Salad Recipe perfect for meal prep or entertaining guests.
How to Serve Artichoke & Spinach Pasta Salad Recipe
Garnishes
Think of garnishes as the finishing touches that elevate your dish visually and flavor-wise. A sprinkle of freshly chopped basil or parsley adds freshness and a pop of green. A light drizzle of extra virgin olive oil or a handful of toasted pine nuts can add silkiness or crunch, giving your pasta salad a personalized gourmet flair.
Side Dishes
This salad shines equally as a stand-alone dish or paired with something more substantial. It pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken, crispy breadsticks, or a simple marinated vegetable platter. The creamy, tangy flavors offer a delightful contrast to smoky or robust sides, creating a balanced and satisfying meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For casual gatherings, serve the salad in a large colorful bowl that shows off its beautiful ingredients. Want to impress guests? Portion into individual mason jars or hollowed-out bell peppers for a playful and elegant look. Adding edible flowers or arranging avocado slices on top can also make the presentation memorable and Instagram-ready.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover salad in an airtight container and refrigerate promptly. It will stay fresh and tasty for up to 3 days, making it an excellent choice for lunches or a quick snack. Give the salad a gentle stir before serving to redistribute the dressing and freshen the flavors.
Freezing
Because of the fresh vegetables and mayonnaise-based dressing, freezing is not recommended for this salad. The texture of the ingredients will change once thawed, resulting in a less enjoyable eating experience. Best to enjoy it fresh or within a few days of making it.
Reheating
This pasta salad is designed to be served cold or at room temperature, so reheating is not necessary and not advised. If you prefer it slightly warmer, simply let it sit at room temperature for 15 to 20 minutes before serving, then toss lightly and enjoy the fresh flavors.
FAQs
Can I substitute the farfalle pasta with other types?
Absolutely! While farfalle is perfect for catching the dressing, you can use rotini, penne, or even shell pasta depending on your preference or pantry staples. Just be sure to cook it al dente to keep the texture right.
Is there a dairy-free version of this salad?
You can easily swap mayonnaise for a dairy-free alternative and use a plant-based milk to make the dressing vegan and dairy-free. Just double-check that the seasoning packet contains no dairy ingredients, or make your own seasoning blend.
Can this salad be made vegan?
Yes! Use vegan mayonnaise, a non-dairy milk, and omit the Parmesan or swap it for a vegan cheese alternative. The rest of the ingredients are naturally plant-based, making it easy to enjoy this salad without animal products.
How far in advance can I prepare this salad?
This Artichoke & Spinach Pasta Salad Recipe can be prepared up to 24 hours ahead of serving. This resting time allows all the flavors to marry beautifully. Just be sure to keep it refrigerated and give it a good toss before serving.
What can I add to make this salad more substantial?
If you want to make this salad a heartier meal, try adding cooked chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas for extra protein. Sun-dried tomatoes or artichoke hearts marinated in garlic and herbs can also contribute to an extra burst of flavor.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about this Artichoke & Spinach Pasta Salad Recipe that makes it stand out—a sensational blend of fresh veggies, creamy dressing, and perfectly cooked pasta. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or treating yourself to a bright, tasty meal, this salad will not disappoint. Don’t hesitate to try it soon; it’s bound to become a beloved staple in your recipe collection.
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Artichoke & Spinach Pasta Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
A refreshing and flavorful Artichoke & Spinach Pasta Salad featuring farfalle pasta tossed with a creamy, seasoned dressing, fresh baby spinach, artichoke hearts, grape tomatoes, kalamata olives, and shredded Parmesan cheese. Perfect for summertime gatherings or as a make-ahead side dish.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 12 ounces farfalle (bowtie) pasta
Dressing and Seasonings
- ¾ cup mayonnaise
- ½ cup milk
- 1 packet Artichoke & Spinach Warm Dip Mix
- 2 teaspoons Onion Onion™ Seasoning
- 1 teaspoon Seasoned Salt
Salad Add-ins
- 1 (14 ounce) can quartered artichoke hearts, drained
- 1 pint grape tomatoes
- ½ cup pitted kalamata olives, halved
- 2 cups fresh baby spinach leaves
- ½ cup shredded Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Cook the pasta. Prepare the farfalle pasta according to package directions until al dente. Once cooked, drain and rinse it under cold water to cool and stop the cooking process, preventing the pasta from getting mushy.
- Prepare the dressing. In a large bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, milk, Artichoke & Spinach Warm Dip Mix, Onion Onion™ Seasoning, and seasoned salt until the mixture is smooth and well combined, forming a flavorful dressing base.
- Combine salad ingredients. Add the cooled pasta to the bowl with the dressing along with the drained artichoke hearts, fresh grape tomatoes, halved kalamata olives, baby spinach leaves, and shredded Parmesan cheese. Toss everything gently but thoroughly to make sure all ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing.
- Serve or refrigerate. The pasta salad can be enjoyed immediately or prepared in advance. If making ahead, cover the salad tightly and refrigerate until ready to serve, allowing flavors to meld for enhanced taste.
Notes
- This salad is best served chilled but can be enjoyed at room temperature if needed.
- For a lighter option, substitute the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt.
- Feel free to add grilled chicken or shrimp to turn it into a hearty main dish.
- Make sure to drain the artichokes well to avoid watering down the salad.
- Adjust the seasoned salt amount based on your taste preference and dietary needs.
