Feta & Cranberry Penne Salad with Orange Vinaigrette

Why You’ll Love Feta & Cranberry Penne Salad with Orange Vinaigrette Recipe

This vibrant Feta & Cranberry Penne Salad is a refreshing balance of savory, tangy, and sweet. The pasta provides heartiness, the feta brings a salty creaminess, dried cranberries add chewy bursts of sweetness, and the bright orange vinaigrette ties everything together with citrusy freshness. Perfect for picnics, potlucks, or a satisfying weekday lunch.

Ingredients

For the Salad:

• 12 oz penne pasta

• 1 cup baby spinach, roughly chopped

• 1/2 cup dried cranberries

• 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled

• 1/4 cup red onion, finely sliced

• 1/4 cup toasted walnuts or pecans, chopped (optional)

For the Orange Vinaigrette:

• 1/4 cup fresh orange juice (about 1 orange)

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar (or white wine vinegar)

• 1 tsp orange zest

• 1 tsp honey or maple syrup

• 1 tsp Dijon mustard

• Salt & black pepper, to taste

Directions

1. Cook penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water.

2. In a large bowl, combine pasta, spinach, cranberries, feta, red onion, and nuts (if using).

3. In a small bowl or jar, whisk together orange juice, olive oil, vinegar, zest, honey, mustard, salt, and pepper until well blended.

4. Pour the vinaigrette over the salad and toss until evenly coated.

5. Chill for 20–30 minutes before serving for best flavor.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 6

• Prep Time: 15 minutes

• Cook Time: 10 minutes

• Chill Time: 20 minutes

• Total Time: 45 minutes

Variations

• Protein Boost: Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas.

• Cheese Swap: Try goat cheese instead of feta for extra creaminess.

• Grain Option: Substitute penne with quinoa or farro for a lighter twist.

• Seasonal Add-ins: Toss in pomegranate seeds or roasted butternut squash for fall flavors.

Storage/Reheating

• Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

• Freezer: Not recommended (pasta and feta lose texture).

• Make Ahead: Keep dressing separate until ready to serve for best freshness.

FAQs

Q: Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried?
A: Dried cranberries work best, but you can use fresh if you lightly sweeten and roast them first.

Q: Can I serve this warm?
A: Yes, toss the pasta with dressing while still warm for a slightly different but delicious version.

Q: Can I double the recipe for a party?
A: Absolutely! Just double all ingredients and use a large mixing bowl.

Conclusion

Feta & Cranberry Penne Salad with Orange Vinaigrette

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This Feta & Cranberry Penne Salad with Orange Vinaigrette is a refreshing twist on classic pasta salad. Tender penne pasta is tossed with tangy feta cheese, sweet dried cranberries, crisp vegetables, and a zesty orange vinaigrette. It’s light, flavorful, and perfect as a side dish for gatherings or a wholesome lunch.

• Author: Emily
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings
• Category: Salad
• Method: Tossing
• Cuisine: Mediterranean-inspired
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

• For the Salad:
• 3 cups cooked penne pasta (al dente, cooled)
• 1 cup baby spinach or arugula
• ½ cup dried cranberries
• ½ cup crumbled feta cheese
• ½ cup cucumber, diced
• ½ red bell pepper, diced
• ¼ red onion, thinly sliced
• ¼ cup toasted walnuts or pecans (optional)
• For the Orange Vinaigrette:
• ¼ cup olive oil
• 3 tbsp fresh orange juice
• 1 tsp orange zest
• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar (or white wine vinegar)
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tsp honey or maple syrup
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

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Instructions

• Cook pasta: Boil penne in salted water until al dente. Drain, rinse under cold water, and set aside.
• Prepare vinaigrette: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, orange juice, zest, vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and pepper until smooth.
• Assemble salad: In a large bowl, combine pasta, spinach, cranberries, feta, cucumber, bell pepper, onion, and nuts (if using).
• Dress & toss: Pour vinaigrette over the salad and toss gently until well coated.
• Serve: Chill for 20–30 minutes before serving to let flavors develop.

Notes

• Make ahead: Keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Add protein: Grilled chicken or chickpeas make it a complete meal.
• Nut-free option: Skip the walnuts/pecans or replace with pumpkin seeds.
• Citrus boost: Add a splash of lemon juice for extra brightness.

Feta & Cranberry Penne Salad with Orange Vinaigrette is a colorful, refreshing dish that’s as versatile as it is delicious. Whether served as a side or a light main dish, its mix of tangy, sweet, and savory flavors makes it a standout recipe you’ll return to again and again.