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Spinach and Artichoke Penne Pasta Salad Recipe

Spinach and Artichoke Penne Pasta Salad Recipe

4.8 from 15 reviews

This Spinach and Artichoke Penne Pasta Salad is a creamy, flavorful dish perfect for potlucks, picnics, or a light meal. Combining tender penne pasta with baby spinach, marinated artichoke hearts, shredded Parmesan cheese, and a rich Spinach Artichoke Parmesan Dairy Dip, this salad is both easy to prepare and delicious. The addition of red bell pepper adds a refreshing crunch and vibrant color, making it a crowd-pleaser that can be served chilled.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

  • 1 lb penne pasta

Vegetables

  • 2 cups roughly chopped baby spinach
  • 1 (12-oz) jar marinated artichoke hearts, quartered, drained and roughly chopped
  • 1 large red bell pepper, chopped

Cheese and Dip

  • 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
  • 2 packages (about 8 oz each) Good Foods Spinach Artichoke Parmesan Dairy Dip

Seasonings

  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Add the penne pasta and cook according to the package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool the pasta. Set aside.
  2. Prepare the salad mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained and cooled pasta, roughly chopped baby spinach, quartered and chopped marinated artichoke hearts, shredded Parmesan cheese, two packages of Good Foods Spinach Artichoke Parmesan Dairy Dip, and the chopped red bell pepper.
  3. Toss the salad: Gently toss all the ingredients together until the pasta and vegetables are uniformly coated with the creamy dip and cheese mixture.
  4. Season: Add salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Mix again to distribute seasoning evenly.
  5. Chill and serve: Transfer the pasta salad to an airtight container and refrigerate until ready to serve. This salad is best served chilled, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.

Notes

  • Use gluten-free penne pasta to make this recipe gluten-free.
  • For a vegan version, substitute the dairy dip and Parmesan cheese with plant-based alternatives.
  • The salad can be prepared a day ahead to enhance flavor infusion; just keep it refrigerated.
  • Add a squeeze of lemon juice or a splash of olive oil for extra brightness if desired.
  • Make sure to rinse the pasta with cold water after cooking to cool it quickly and prevent it from sticking.

Nutrition

Keywords: Spinach artichoke pasta salad, penne pasta salad, creamy pasta salad, vegetarian pasta salad, chilled pasta salad