If you’re craving a dish that bursts with vibrant flavors and colorful ingredients, the Feta & Cranberry Penne Salad with Orange Vinaigrette Recipe is exactly what you need. This salad perfectly balances the tangy richness of feta cheese with the sweet chewiness of dried cranberries, all tied together by a bright and zesty orange vinaigrette. It’s a quick, refreshing, and satisfying meal that feels just right for warm days, potlucks, or when you want something light but full of character.
Ingredients You’ll Need
All the ingredients for this salad are simple staples, yet each one plays a vital role in creating a harmonious blend of textures and tastes. From the creamy feta to the citrusy orange vinaigrette, every component matters.
- 12 oz penne pasta: The perfect shape to hold onto the dressing and mix-ins without feeling heavy.
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese: Adds a salty, creamy kick that elevates the overall flavor.
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries: Brings a touch of sweetness and chewy texture that contrasts beautifully with the cheese.
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped: A sharp bite that cuts through the richness and brightens the dish.
- 1/4 cup toasted pecans or walnuts (optional): Adds a lovely crunch and nutty aroma to the salad.
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped: Freshness and a burst of green color for an inviting look and taste.
- 1/4 cup fresh orange juice: The star of the vinaigrette, providing bright citrus notes and natural sweetness.
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil: Creates a silky, luscious base for the dressing and combines all flavors smoothly.
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar: Adds acidity to balance the sweetness and richness in the dressing.
- 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup: A gentle sweetener that rounds out the vinaigrette’s flavor profile.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning and enhancing all the natural flavors.
How to Make Feta & Cranberry Penne Salad with Orange Vinaigrette Recipe
Step 1: Cook and Cool the Penne
Begin by cooking the penne pasta according to the package instructions, ensuring it’s al dente for the best texture. Once cooked, drain the pasta and immediately rinse it under cold water. This step stops the cooking process and cools the pasta, making it perfect for a salad that’s intended to be enjoyed chilled or at room temperature.
Step 2: Combine the Salad Ingredients
In a large bowl, toss together the cooled pasta with crumbled feta cheese, dried cranberries, finely chopped red onion, and toasted nuts if you’re choosing to use them. This combination builds layers of flavor and texture — creamy, sweet, tangy, and crunchy all at once.
Step 3: Whisk Together the Orange Vinaigrette
In a small bowl, whisk fresh orange juice with extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, honey (or maple syrup), and a pinch of salt and pepper. Whisk until the dressing emulsifies into a smooth, bright vinaigrette that will wake up the salad with citrusy goodness.
Step 4: Dress and Toss the Salad
Pour the freshly made orange vinaigrette over the pasta mixture and gently toss everything together. The vinaigrette clings beautifully to the penne and mix-ins, coating each bite with flavor without overwhelming it.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Finish the salad with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a pop of green and herbal freshness. You can serve this salad chilled straight from the fridge or let it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes to soften the flavors just right.
How to Serve Feta & Cranberry Penne Salad with Orange Vinaigrette Recipe
Garnishes
Adding fresh herbs like parsley, basil, or even a sprinkle of lemon zest can enhance both the visual appeal and the brightness of the salad. A few cracked black peppercorns or a light drizzle of extra olive oil on top can elevate each serving into a little work of art.
Side Dishes
This salad pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken, roasted vegetables, or even a warm bowl of soup. It’s a versatile side dish at barbecues, family picnics, or a light meal on its own when you want something refreshing yet filling.
Creative Ways to Present
Try layering the salad in clear mason jars for a charming lunch option on the go, or serve it on a bed of fresh greens to transform it into a more substantial entrée. You can also stuff tomatoes or bell peppers with this colorful pasta salad to impress guests at your next gathering.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Feta & Cranberry Penne Salad with Orange Vinaigrette Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep fresh for up to 3 days, making it a great option for easy lunches or meal prep throughout the week.
Freezing
This pasta salad is best enjoyed fresh and is not ideal for freezing because the texture of the ingredients, especially the pasta and vinaigrette, can change when thawed. For best results, stick to refrigeration if you have leftovers.
Reheating
Since this salad is served cold or at room temperature, reheating is not necessary. If you prefer a slightly warm salad, let it come to room temperature naturally instead of applying heat, to preserve the delicate flavors and textures.
FAQs
Can I substitute the feta cheese with another cheese?
Absolutely! Goat cheese or ricotta salata are excellent alternatives that provide a similar crumbly texture and tangy flavor, keeping the salad delicious and creamy.
What can I use instead of dried cranberries?
If you don’t have dried cranberries, dried cherries, raisins, or even chopped fresh pomegranate seeds can add the perfect touch of sweetness and texture!
Is there a way to make this salad vegan?
Yes! Simply omit the feta cheese or use a plant-based cheese alternative and swap honey in the vinaigrette for maple syrup or agave nectar to keep it fully vegan-friendly.
Can I prepare this salad ahead of time?
Yes, this salad can be made a few hours in advance—just keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to serve to prevent the pasta from getting soggy.
How can I make the salad more filling?
Add grilled chicken, chickpeas, or roasted veggies like bell peppers and zucchini to boost the protein and fiber content, making it a heartier meal.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking to brighten up your lunch or add a fresh new salad to your dinner table, I can’t recommend the Feta & Cranberry Penne Salad with Orange Vinaigrette Recipe enough. Its delightful combination of flavors and textures is simply irresistible and easy to put together, so give it a try—you might just find your new favorite go-to salad!
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Feta & Cranberry Penne Salad with Orange Vinaigrette Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A refreshing and colorful Feta & Cranberry Penne Salad dressed with a zesty homemade orange vinaigrette. This quick and easy pasta salad combines savory feta cheese, sweet dried cranberries, and crunchy nuts for a delightful texture contrast, making it perfect for light lunches or potluck gatherings.
Ingredients
Pasta Salad
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup toasted pecans or walnuts (optional)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Orange Vinaigrette
- 1/4 cup fresh orange juice
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and rinse under cold water to cool it down and stop the cooking process.
- Combine salad ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the cooled pasta, crumbled feta cheese, dried cranberries, finely chopped red onion, and toasted pecans or walnuts if using. Mix gently to combine evenly.
- Prepare the vinaigrette: In a small bowl, whisk together fresh orange juice, extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, honey or maple syrup, and a pinch of salt and pepper until the dressing is smooth and well emulsified.
- Toss the salad: Pour the orange vinaigrette over the pasta mixture and toss gently to coat all ingredients evenly with the dressing for a balanced flavor.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the salad as a garnish. Serve chilled or at room temperature for best taste and texture.
Notes
- To toast nuts, place pecans or walnuts in a dry skillet over medium heat, stirring frequently until fragrant and lightly browned, about 3-5 minutes.
- For a vegan version, substitute feta cheese with a plant-based cheese alternative and use maple syrup instead of honey.
- This salad is perfect for meal prepping and keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Adjust sweetness of the vinaigrette by adding more or less honey or maple syrup based on preference.
- Use gluten-free penne pasta to make this dish gluten-free.
