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
Scale
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
