Feta & Cranberry Penne Salad with Orange Vinaigrette Recipe
If you’re searching for a pasta salad that sparkles with sweet-tart cranberries, creamy feta, and the brightness of fresh orange, you’re going to fall in love with Feta & Cranberry Penne Salad with Orange Vinaigrette. This vibrant dish brings a gorgeous mix of color, texture, and Mediterranean flavors—perfect for everything from picnics to elegant holiday feasts. The tangy-sweet orange vinaigrette ties it all together, making every bite a joyous celebration for your tastebuds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe features just a handful of easy-to-find, crave-worthy ingredients. Each one is chosen for the role it plays—bringing freshness, crunch, creamy tang, or a burst of natural color to your Feta & Cranberry Penne Salad with Orange Vinaigrette.
- Penne pasta (12 ounces, cooked and cooled): This classic short pasta shape catches every bit of vinaigrette, perfect for hearty and satisfying bites.
- Dried cranberries (1 cup): Their pop of sweet-tart flavor balances the other ingredients and adds chewiness and rich color.
- Feta cheese, crumbled (1 cup): Feta’s creaminess and salty zing make this salad absolutely irresistible.
- Chopped celery (1/2 cup): Celery brings a crisp, refreshing crunch throughout the salad.
- Chopped red onion (1/4 cup): Adds gentle bite and lovely color—if you want a milder flavor, soak the onion briefly in cold water before using.
- Chopped fresh parsley (1/4 cup): A sprinkle of green freshness brightens everything up.
- Chopped walnuts or pecans (1/2 cup, optional): For extra crunch and a hint of richness, nuts make a delightful addition.
- Fresh orange juice (1/3 cup): Freshly squeezed orange juice delivers vibrant citrus flavor to the vinaigrette.
- Olive oil (2 tablespoons): A touch of good olive oil creates a luscious, silky dressing.
- White wine vinegar (1 tablespoon): This sharpens up the vinaigrette and balances the orange sweetness.
- Honey or maple syrup (1 teaspoon): Just a hint enhances the fruit flavors and mellows the acidity.
- Dijon mustard (1 teaspoon): Dijon adds subtle heat and depth to the dressing.
- Salt and black pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning everything to bright, perfect harmony.
How to Make Feta & Cranberry Penne Salad with Orange Vinaigrette
Step 1: Prepare and Cool Your Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook your penne pasta until al dente, following package directions. Once finished, drain it well and quickly rinse under cold water to cool it down and prevent overcooking. Let it drain thoroughly—nobody wants a soggy salad!
Step 2: Gather and Chop the Mix-Ins
While the pasta cools, chop your celery, red onion, fresh parsley, and if you’re using them, your walnuts or pecans. You want everything bite-sized and ready to mingle with the pasta and cranberries.
Step 3: Whisk Up the Orange Vinaigrette
In a small bowl or jar, combine the fresh orange juice, olive oil, white wine vinegar, honey or maple syrup, Dijon mustard, and a pinch each of salt and black pepper. Whisk or shake until the dressing looks smooth and slightly thickened—the honey and mustard help emulsify the vinaigrette beautifully.
Step 4: Assemble the Salad
In a large mixing bowl, add your cooled penne. Toss in the dried cranberries, crumbled feta cheese, chopped celery, red onion, parsley, and nuts if desired. Pour the orange vinaigrette over the top and toss everything gently so the flavors meld but the feta stays in lovely crumbles.
Step 5: Chill and Toss Again
Cover the salad and chill it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This lets the cranberry sweetness, sharp onion, and tangy feta soak up the orange-kissed vinaigrette. Before serving, give it a gentle toss again to freshen things up and redistribute all the deliciousness.
How to Serve Feta & Cranberry Penne Salad with Orange Vinaigrette
Garnishes
For a finishing flourish, scatter a few extra parsley leaves, a little more crumbled feta cheese, or even some zest from your orange across the top. These details not only look inviting but also punch up the fresh Mediterranean flavor of your Feta & Cranberry Penne Salad with Orange Vinaigrette.
Side Dishes
This salad shines on its own, but you can make a meal out of it by adding warm crusty bread, a simple green salad, or a platter of roasted vegetables. For potlucks or brunches, try pairing it with grilled chicken, smoked salmon, or a selection of cheeses for a full, festive spread.
Creative Ways to Present
For a party, scoop Feta & Cranberry Penne Salad with Orange Vinaigrette into individual cups or mason jars for easy, portable servings. You can also pile it atop crisp greens for a more elegant starter, or stuff it into lettuce leaves as a light, refreshing wrap. However you present it, this colorful salad is sure to draw admiring glances!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover salad keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors keep developing and the salad stays refreshingly vibrant, making it ideal for meal prep or packing into lunchboxes all week.
Freezing
Feta & Cranberry Penne Salad with Orange Vinaigrette is best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated. Freezing isn’t recommended, as the pasta and vegetables lose their texture, and the vinaigrette can separate when thawed.
Reheating
This salad is traditionally served chilled or at room temperature. If you’d like it slightly warmer, let it sit out for about 15 minutes before serving, but avoid microwaving to preserve the fresh flavors and prevent the feta from melting.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Salad
Absolutely! Short pastas like rotini, fusilli, or farfalle work perfectly in this Feta & Cranberry Penne Salad with Orange Vinaigrette. The key is to choose a shape that catches the dressing and allows for easy forkfuls.
Is there a substitute for feta cheese?
If you’re not a fan of feta, goat cheese offers a creamier flavor, or try ricotta salata for a milder, less tangy cheese. Vegan feta alternatives also work well for a dairy-free version.
Can I add protein to make it a main dish?
Certainly! Grilled chicken, cooked shrimp, or even chickpeas are delightful protein boosts. They pair well with the orange vinaigrette and keep the salad feeling light yet satisfying.
Will the salad get soggy if made in advance?
This salad actually improves with some chilling time, as the flavors meld more deeply. If you’re worried about too much moisture, you can stir in reserved feta or nuts just before serving for extra texture.
How can I make this gluten-free?
Simply swap the regular penne for your favorite gluten-free pasta, cook as directed, and proceed with the recipe. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free!
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a burst of color and flavor to brighten your table, give Feta & Cranberry Penne Salad with Orange Vinaigrette a try! Whether you’re prepping ahead for a weekday lunch or sharing it at your next gathering, you’ll find this salad is every bit as special as it looks—and always gets rave reviews. I can’t wait for you to taste how the flavors come together in every bite!
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Feta & Cranberry Penne Salad with Orange Vinaigrette Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Feta & Cranberry Penne Salad with Orange Vinaigrette is a delightful and refreshing pasta salad that combines the tangy flavors of feta cheese and dried cranberries with a zesty orange dressing.
Ingredients
Penne Salad:
- 12 ounces penne pasta, cooked and cooled
- 1 cup dried cranberries
- 1 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/2 cup chopped celery
- 1/4 cup chopped red onion
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
Orange Vinaigrette:
- 1/3 cup fresh orange juice
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon white wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Penne Salad: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked and cooled penne, dried cranberries, feta cheese, celery, red onion, parsley, and nuts if using.
- Orange Vinaigrette: In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the orange juice, olive oil, vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until well combined. Pour the vinaigrette over the salad and toss gently to coat all ingredients evenly.
- Chill for at least 30 minutes before serving to let the flavors meld. Toss again before serving.
Notes
- This salad is perfect for meal prep or potlucks and can be served chilled or at room temperature.
- Substitute spinach or arugula for added greens, or use goat cheese instead of feta for a creamier flavor.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes (for pasta)
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook (pasta is pre-cooked)
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 340
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 280mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
