Feta & Cranberry Penne Salad with Orange Vinaigrette Recipe
If you’re on the hunt for a dish that’s as dazzling to look at as it is delicious to eat, the Feta & Cranberry Penne Salad with Orange Vinaigrette is about to win your heart. This salad is a celebration of flavors and textures: creamy feta, tangy-sweet cranberries, crunchy toasted nuts, and a citrusy vinaigrette that brightens every bite. Whether you’re prepping for a picnic, a potluck, or just want to shake up your weekday lunch, this vibrant salad is a breeze to make and sure to impress everyone at the table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this recipe is carefully chosen to bring out the best in each other. Nothing is complicated or hard to find—just a handful of fresh, colorful, and pantry-friendly items that transform into something truly special when combined in this Feta & Cranberry Penne Salad with Orange Vinaigrette.
- Penne pasta: The perfect bite-sized shape for soaking up the dressing and mingling with all the add-ins.
- Dried cranberries: These add a chewy, sweet-tart pop that contrasts beautifully with the savory elements.
- Crumbled feta cheese: Creamy, tangy, and salty—the feta is the flavor anchor of this salad.
- Chopped walnuts or pecans (toasted, optional): For a nutty crunch and a toasty depth that brings the whole salad together.
- Finely chopped red onion: Adds sharpness and color, but mellows nicely once tossed with the dressing.
- Chopped fresh parsley: Brings a burst of fresh, herbal brightness to every forkful.
- Baby spinach, chopped (optional): For a little extra green goodness and texture—totally up to you!
- Salt and pepper to taste: Because every salad needs that perfect final seasoning touch.
- Fresh orange juice: The star of the vinaigrette, lending a sweet, sunny brightness.
- White wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar: Adds a gentle tang that balances the sweetness.
- Orange zest: Intensifies the orange flavor and aroma—don’t skip it!
- Dijon mustard: Gives the vinaigrette body and a little zing.
- Honey or maple syrup: Just a touch for balance and a hint of natural sweetness.
- Olive oil: For a smooth, luxurious finish to the dressing.
- Salt and pepper to taste: To round out all the flavors in your vinaigrette.
How to Make Feta & Cranberry Penne Salad with Orange Vinaigrette
Step 1: Cook the Penne Pasta
Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to the package instructions until just al dente. Once it’s finished, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it down quickly. This keeps the pasta firm and prevents it from sticking together in the salad.
Step 2: Prep the Salad Ingredients
While the pasta cooks, chop your red onion, parsley, and spinach (if using), and toast your walnuts or pecans if you want an extra layer of flavor. Toasting is as easy as tossing the nuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for a few minutes until fragrant. Let them cool before chopping.
Step 3: Make the Orange Vinaigrette
In a small bowl or a jar with a tight-fitting lid, whisk together the fresh orange juice, vinegar, orange zest, Dijon mustard, and honey or maple syrup. Slowly drizzle in the olive oil while whisking to emulsify the dressing, then season with salt and pepper to taste. The result is a bright, sweet-tangy vinaigrette that transforms the salad into something truly special.
Step 4: Combine and Toss
In a large salad bowl, combine the cooled penne pasta, cranberries, feta cheese, toasted nuts, red onion, parsley, and spinach if you’re using it. Pour the orange vinaigrette over everything and toss gently until every piece of pasta is coated and the mix-ins are evenly distributed. The Feta & Cranberry Penne Salad with Orange Vinaigrette should be colorful and inviting at this stage.
Step 5: Chill and Serve
Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 20 minutes before serving. This bit of patience allows the flavors to meld and the vinaigrette to infuse every ingredient. When it’s time to eat, give it a quick toss and taste for seasoning—you might want a pinch more salt or pepper to finish it off.
How to Serve Feta & Cranberry Penne Salad with Orange Vinaigrette
Garnishes
This salad is already a stunner, but a few finishing touches can take it over the top. Try sprinkling a little extra crumbled feta and chopped parsley on top just before serving. A handful of additional toasted nuts or a few orange zest curls add both beauty and a burst of flavor. Your Feta & Cranberry Penne Salad with Orange Vinaigrette will look irresistibly fresh and festive.
Side Dishes
Serve this salad alongside grilled chicken, roasted salmon, or even a simple veggie platter for a well-rounded meal. It also pairs perfectly with a crusty loaf of bread or pita for scooping up every last bit. If you want to stick with the Mediterranean theme, a platter of olives or a bowl of hummus is a natural fit.
Creative Ways to Present
For a potluck or picnic, you can layer the salad in a large glass bowl to show off all the colorful ingredients. For a lunchbox treat, pack it in individual mason jars for easy grab-and-go servings. If you’re hosting a gathering, serve the Feta & Cranberry Penne Salad with Orange Vinaigrette in lettuce cups or on a bed of extra spinach for a beautiful, fresh presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Feta & Cranberry Penne Salad with Orange Vinaigrette stores like a dream. Simply transfer any extras to an airtight container and keep in the refrigerator for up to three days. Give it a gentle toss before serving again, as the dressing may settle at the bottom.
Freezing
While most pasta salads don’t freeze well due to changes in texture, you can freeze the undressed cooked pasta and vinaigrette separately if you want to prep ahead. Add the fresh ingredients and toss everything together after thawing for the best results.
Reheating
This salad is meant to be enjoyed chilled or at room temperature, so there’s no need to reheat. If it’s been in the fridge, let it sit out for 10 to 15 minutes before serving to take the chill off and let the flavors shine.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta for this salad?
Absolutely! While penne is perfect for holding the dressing and mix-ins, you can use rotini, farfalle, or any short pasta you love. The key is to choose a shape that won’t get soggy and will hold up well with the vinaigrette.
Is there a vegan option for this salad?
Yes! Just swap out the feta cheese for your favorite vegan feta alternative and use maple syrup instead of honey in the vinaigrette. The Feta & Cranberry Penne Salad with Orange Vinaigrette will still be bursting with flavor and totally plant-based.
Can I make the orange vinaigrette in advance?
You can! The vinaigrette keeps well in the refrigerator for up to a week. Just whisk or shake it well before using, as the ingredients may separate a bit as they sit.
What proteins can I add for a heartier meal?
Grilled chicken, shrimp, or even chickpeas make wonderful additions if you want to turn your Feta & Cranberry Penne Salad with Orange Vinaigrette into a filling main course. Just add your protein of choice along with the other ingredients before tossing.
Can I prepare this salad for meal prep?
This salad is a meal prep superstar! Assemble everything except the vinaigrette and store separately. Toss together just before serving for the freshest texture. It’s perfect for lunches throughout the week.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something magical about how the flavors in Feta & Cranberry Penne Salad with Orange Vinaigrette come together—sweet, tangy, salty, and fresh in every bite. I hope you’ll give it a try and let it add a splash of color and flavor to your table. Happy cooking!
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Feta & Cranberry Penne Salad with Orange Vinaigrette Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A vibrant and refreshing Feta & Cranberry Penne Salad tossed with a zesty Orange Vinaigrette. This Mediterranean-inspired dish combines tender penne pasta, tangy feta cheese, sweet dried cranberries, crunchy nuts, and fresh herbs for a flavorful vegetarian meal or side. Perfect for meal prep, picnics, or light lunches with a delightful balance of sweet, savory, and citrus notes.
Ingredients
Salad Ingredients
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/3 cup chopped walnuts or pecans, toasted (optional)
- 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1/2 cup baby spinach, chopped (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Orange Vinaigrette
- 1/4 cup fresh orange juice
- 2 tbsp white wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp orange zest
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp honey or maple syrup
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 9-11 minutes. Drain the pasta and rinse under cold water to stop cooking and cool the noodles.
- Combine Salad Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled penne pasta, dried cranberries, crumbled feta cheese, toasted nuts if using, finely chopped red onion, fresh parsley, and chopped baby spinach if desired. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
- Prepare the Orange Vinaigrette: In a separate bowl or jar, whisk together fresh orange juice, white wine vinegar, orange zest, Dijon mustard, and honey or maple syrup until smooth. Gradually whisk in the olive oil until the dressing is well emulsified. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Toss Salad: Pour the orange vinaigrette over the pasta salad mixture and gently toss to ensure all ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing.
- Chill and Serve: Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. Serve chilled or at room temperature as a refreshing side or light main.
Notes
- This salad is ideal for meal prep and can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- For added protein, you can include grilled chicken, chickpeas, or tofu.
- Substitute whole wheat or gluten-free penne pasta to accommodate dietary preferences.
- To toast nuts, heat them in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-5 minutes until fragrant, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: Mediterranean-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 7 g
- Sodium: 280 mg
- Fat: 17 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 9 g
- Cholesterol: 15 mg
