Go Back
When the weather warms up, there's nothing quite like a refreshing Chilled Spinach Artichoke Pasta Salad to satisfy your cravings and keep you energized. This vibrant dish beautifully marries the earthy flavors of spinach and artichokes with the comforting texture of pasta, making it a delightful choice for a variety of occasions. Whether you're heading to a summer picnic, throwing a potluck gathering, or simply seeking a light and nutritious meal, this pasta salad is sure to impress with its balanced flavors and colorful presentation.

Cold Spinach Artichoke Pasta Salad

Discover the perfect summer dish with this Chilled Spinach Artichoke Pasta Salad! Combining the earthy flavors of fresh spinach and artichokes with rotini pasta, this salad is both refreshing and nutritious. It’s ideal for picnics, potlucks, or light dinners. With a creamy dressing made from a mix of mayonnaise and Greek yogurt, it's rich in flavor without the guilt. Enjoy it as a side or a main dish, and customize it with your favorite proteins or veggies for a personal touch!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients
  

8 oz rotini pasta

1 cup fresh baby spinach, chopped

1 cup canned artichoke hearts, drained and chopped

1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1/3 cup red onion, finely diced

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1/2 cup mayonnaise

1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt

2 tbsp olive oil

2 tbsp fresh lemon juice

1 tsp garlic powder

Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Optional: 1/4 cup sliced black olives and fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions
 

Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the rotini pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Once cooked, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold running water to halt the cooking process. Set aside to cool.

    Prepare the Dressing: In a medium mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic powder, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Whisk the mixture vigorously until smooth and creamy, ensuring all ingredients are well incorporated.

      Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the cooled pasta along with the chopped spinach, artichoke hearts, halved cherry tomatoes, finely diced red onion, and grated Parmesan cheese. Toss gently to combine all the ingredients evenly.

        Add the Dressing: Drizzle the prepared dressing over the pasta mixture. Use a spatula or large wooden spoon to fold the dressing into the salad, making sure every ingredient is beautifully coated. Taste and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.

          Chill the Salad: Cover the mixing bowl with plastic wrap or a lid. Place it in the refrigerator and chill for at least 1 hour or as long as overnight. This resting period allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.

            Serve: Before serving, give the salad a gentle stir to redistribute the dressing. For an added touch of flavor and visual appeal, garnish with sliced black olives and a sprinkle of fresh parsley if desired.

              Prep Time, Total Time, Servings:

                - Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour | Servings: 4-6 servings

                  Enjoy this refreshing Chilled Spinach Artichoke Pasta Salad as a delightful side dish or a light main course!