Feta & Cranberry Penne Salad with Orange Vinaigrette Recipe
Introduction
This Feta & Cranberry Penne Salad with Orange Vinaigrette is a vibrant and refreshing dish perfect for warm days or as a flavorful side. Combining creamy feta, sweet cranberries, and a zesty citrus dressing, it’s easy to prepare and bursting with contrasting textures and flavors.
Ingredients
- 8 oz penne pasta
- ½ cup feta cheese, crumbled
- ½ cup dried cranberries
- ¼ cup toasted walnuts, chopped
- 2 cups baby spinach
- ¼ cup red onion, thinly sliced
- ¼ cup fresh orange juice
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta, rinse under cold water to cool, and set aside.
- Step 2: In a small bowl, whisk together fresh orange juice, olive oil, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper until the vinaigrette is well combined.
- Step 3: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, crumbled feta cheese, dried cranberries, chopped toasted walnuts, baby spinach, and thinly sliced red onion.
- Step 4: Drizzle the orange vinaigrette over the salad and toss gently to ensure all ingredients are evenly coated.
Tips & Variations
- Add chopped bell peppers or cucumbers for extra crunch and color.
- Make the salad ahead of time but keep the vinaigrette separate until ready to serve to maintain freshness.
- Use toasted pecans instead of walnuts for a different nutty flavor.
Storage
Store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. For best texture, keep the orange vinaigrette separate and add it just before serving. Leftovers can be gently reheated at room temperature but are best enjoyed chilled.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, you can substitute penne with other short pasta shapes like rotini, farfalle, or fusilli, which hold the dressing well.
Is this salad suitable for a vegetarian diet?
Yes, this salad is vegetarian-friendly as it contains no meat or fish. It features dairy from feta cheese, so it’s not vegan.
PrintFeta & Cranberry Penne Salad with Orange Vinaigrette Recipe
A vibrant and refreshing Feta & Cranberry Penne Salad tossed with a zesty orange vinaigrette. This easy-to-make pasta salad combines the creaminess of feta cheese, the sweet chewiness of dried cranberries, crunchy toasted walnuts, and fresh baby spinach, all brought together with a flavorful citrus dressing perfect for a light lunch or side dish.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Pasta Salad Ingredients
- 8 oz penne pasta
- ½ cup feta cheese, crumbled
- ½ cup dried cranberries
- ¼ cup toasted walnuts, chopped
- 2 cups baby spinach
- ¼ cup red onion, thinly sliced
Orange Vinaigrette
- ¼ cup fresh orange juice
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Once cooked, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool the noodles. Set aside.
- Make the Orange Vinaigrette: In a small bowl, whisk together fresh orange juice, olive oil, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper until the mixture is well combined and emulsified, creating a tangy and slightly sweet dressing.
- Assemble the Salad: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked and cooled pasta with crumbled feta cheese, dried cranberries, toasted walnuts, baby spinach leaves, and thinly sliced red onion.
- Dress & Toss: Drizzle the orange vinaigrette evenly over the salad. Gently toss all the ingredients together to ensure everything is coated with the flavorful dressing. Serve immediately or chill until ready to serve.
Notes
- Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers or cucumbers for extra crunch and color.
- This salad can be made ahead of time; keep the vinaigrette separate and add just before serving to keep the salad fresh and vibrant.
- To toast walnuts, place them in a dry skillet over medium heat, stirring frequently until fragrant and lightly browned, about 3-5 minutes.
Keywords: Feta cranberry penne salad, orange vinaigrette pasta salad, easy pasta salad recipe, vegetarian pasta salad, healthy summer salad
