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
Scale
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
