The perfect summer pasta salad! Loaded with fresh spinach, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, and homemade lemon vinaigrette, this salad is proof that sometimes simple is best!
There’s something about a delicious pasta salad that always hits the spot. It’s a staple at picnics and potlucks, and one of our favorite ways to feed a crowd.
Not only is it easy to make… and always delicious… but the flavor possibilities are endless. Because pasta is the perfect base for literally ANY of your favorite flavors! And this Spinach, Pine Nut & Parmesan Pasta Salad is the perfect example.
It’s a simple, yet incredibly delicious combination… and it makes the BEST pasta salad. Even better, it makes a delicious side dish for any of your favorite meals!
what you’ll love about this recipe
Simple: Made with just 5 ingredients, it doesn’t get any more simple than this!
Flavorful: Spinach, pine nuts and Parmesan are a delicious flavor combination and pair perfectly with the lemon vinaigrette!
Versatile: This salad makes a delicious side dish OR you can add some protein to turn it into a main dish!
what you’ll need for this recipe
Pasta – I used 1 pound of orecchiette pasta, which is a round, flat pasta shaped like little ears. Feel free to substitute penne, rotini, fusilli, or farfalle.
Spinach – I added 3 ounces, or about 3 cups, of fresh baby spinach.
Pine nuts – I added 1/3 cup of pine nuts for a bit of crunch. See my “recipe variations” below for substitution suggestions.
Parmesan – I used 1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese. Substitute shaved or grated Parmesan OR another type of cheese you enjoy.
Dressing – For the dressing, I used a homemade Lemon Vinaigrette. Substitute Balsamic Vinaigrette or any of your favorite dressings.
how to make this pasta salad
Cook the pasta. Cook the orecchiette according to package instructions. Drain and rinse with cold water; let cool to room temperature.
Add the remaining ingredients. Add the fresh spinach, pine nuts, Parmesan, and lemon vinaigrette.
Stir to combine. Stir well to combine; garnish with salt and pepper to taste.
make-ahead & storage tips
This salad can be made up to 24 hours in advance. Leftovers should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Recipe Variations
- Use any type of pasta
- Substitute fresh arugula for the spinach
- Add additional veggies, such as grape tomatoes or bell peppers
- Substitute crumbled feta cheese, goat cheese, or blue cheese for Parmesan
- Substitute chopped walnuts, pecans, or any of your favorite nuts for pine nuts
- Use your favorite store bought dressing
- Add crushed red pepper flakes for a spicy kick
- Add grilled chicken or shrimp for protein
More Delicious Pasta Salad Recipes
Ingredients
- 1 pound orecchiette pasta
- 3 ounces fresh spinach
- 1/3 cup pine nuts
- 1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup lemon vinaigrette
- fresh ground sea salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to package instructions. Drain and rinse with cold water; let cool to room temperature.
- Stir in fresh spinach, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, and vinaigrette
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Notes
Recipe Variations
-
- Use any type of pasta
-
- Substitute fresh arugula for the spinach
-
- Add additional veggies, such as grape tomatoes or bell peppers
-
- Substitute crumbled feta cheese, goat cheese, or blue cheese for Parmesan
-
- Substitute chopped walnuts, pecans, or any of your favorite nuts for pine nuts
-
- Use your favorite store bought dressing
-
- Add crushed red pepper flakes for a spicy kick
-
- Add grilled chicken or shrimp for protein
Jessica says
I do the same thing Cathy – especially with clothes! What would make me NEED to hold onto my circa 1997 Corporate America blazers that I haven’t worn since, well…1997? And, although I have no attention to going back to **that** financial career, if I ever had to, wouldn’t I have to update it? Why yes I would but it’s so hard to say goodbye!!!! Anyway, your pasta dish looks amazing my friend!!! I can’t wait to try it and your Strawberry Shortcake Pops? Yes, I’m making THOSE for Sydney’s end of the school year party which is Thursday! Look at all the amazing things you do for me? And you didn’t even know it 😉 Have a great day my friend!
Happy+Valley+Chow says
I love a good pasta salad, just a perfect side for a summer barbecue. Fantastic recipe 🙂
Happy Blogging!
Happy Valley Chow
Kelley says
I am the same with things.. my closet is full of clothes and shoes I probably wont wear again. My kitchen is full of things that Ive used once or twice. Well.. you get the point. lol. This pasta though? Perfection! I cant wait to try it!
Tonia says
I want that for dinner tonight!
Jen+@+Yummy+Healthy+Easy says
This pasta salad is so gorgeous! I love that pasta and the greens. It would be a beautiful side dish for a summer BBQ!
Aly says
Hi! Found your blog via iheartnaptime link up. This looks so yummy and I am so happy I have all of these simple ingredients already on hand. I will definitely be making this for lunch today. Thank you for sharing!
-Aly
oohlalovelyblog
Cheryl says
How many people will this recipe for Spinach, Pine Nut and Parmesan salad serve?
Liz says
Love this salad. Thank you.
Kelsey says
Did you make your own oil/vinegar dressing? If so, how did you make that? Or which brand of store bought do you suggest?
Cathy Trochelman says
I love Newman’s Own brand, but making your own is also so easy! Here’s a basic recipe…you can substitute any type of vinegar:
1/2 c. olive oil
1/4 c. white balsamic vinegar
1 Tbsp. lemon juice
1 1/2 tsp. dried parsley
1/2 tsp. dijon mustard
1/4 tsp. fresh ground pepper