Description
A creamy and flavorful Spinach Dip Pasta Salad combining tender penne pasta with sautéed fresh spinach and a tangy sour cream and mayo dressing, seasoned with garlic, onion powder, and optional artichoke hearts for added texture. Perfectly chilled for a refreshing, crowd-pleasing side dish.
Ingredients
Pasta and Vegetables
- 1 lb penne pasta (cooked to al dente, drained, and cooled)
- 10 oz fresh baby spinach
- 1/4 cup artichoke hearts (drained, rinsed, and diced) (optional)
Dressing and Seasoning
- 2 cups sour cream
- 1/2 cup mayo
- 1 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- 1 1/4 tsp onion powder
- Salt & pepper (to taste)
- 2 tsp dried parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Sauté Spinach: Heat a non-stick pan over medium heat and add the fresh baby spinach. Stir occasionally and cook just until wilted, being careful not to overcook or make the spinach mushy. Remove the pan from heat and allow the spinach to cool completely.
- Mix Dressing: In a large mixing bowl, combine the sour cream, mayonnaise, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and dried parsley if using. Stir well until all ingredients are evenly mixed.
- Add Spinach and Optional Artichokes: Fold the cooled spinach into the dressing mixture along with the diced artichoke hearts if desired, mixing thoroughly to incorporate them evenly.
- Combine with Pasta: Add the cooked and cooled penne pasta to the spinach dip mixture. Stir gently but thoroughly until all the pasta is coated evenly with the dressing and vegetable mixture.
- Chill: Cover the pasta salad and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight. This step allows the flavors to meld and develop a refreshing chilled taste before serving.
Notes
- For best texture, ensure the spinach is just wilted and not overcooked.
- Chilling the salad overnight enhances flavor infusion.
- Artichoke hearts add a nice texture and can be omitted if preferred.
- Adjust salt and pepper according to taste.
- Penne pasta is recommended for its shape which holds the dressing well.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
