If you’re looking for a salad that bursts with vibrant flavors and a perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and savory, you have to try this Feta & Cranberry Penne Salad with Orange Vinaigrette Recipe. It’s a colorful celebration of textures and tastes, featuring creamy feta, chewy dried cranberries, and a bright, zesty vinaigrette that brings everything together beautifully. This dish is not only quick to whip up but also makes for a stunning side or a light main that feels fresh and comforting all at once.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, fresh ingredients is the key to making this salad a standout. Each addition plays a special part, from the tender pasta base to the bursts of sweet cranberry and the creamy, salty tang of feta. The orange vinaigrette is the magic touch that lifts the whole dish.
- 12 oz penne pasta: The perfect pasta shape for holding onto that luscious vinaigrette and mix-ins.
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese: Adds a creamy, slightly salty flavor that balances the sweetness.
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries: These provide a chewy texture and sweet tartness that brighten the salad.
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped: Brings a mild sharpness and crunch for contrast.
- 1/4 cup toasted pecans or walnuts (optional): Adds a nutty flavor and satisfyingly crunchy bite.
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped: Fresh herbs introduce a pop of color and herbal freshness.
- 1/4 cup fresh orange juice: The citrus base of the vinaigrette, delivering fragrant, juicy notes.
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil: Creates a smooth texture and rich mouthfeel for the dressing.
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar: Adds a gentle acidity that balances the sweetness of the orange juice.
- 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup: Just a touch of sweetness to round out the vinaigrette.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasonings that heighten all the flavors.
How to Make Feta & Cranberry Penne Salad with Orange Vinaigrette Recipe
Step 1: Cook and Cool the Pasta
Start by cooking your penne pasta according to the package directions until it’s perfectly al dente. Once cooked, drain and rinse the pasta under cold water to not only cool it rapidly but also stop the cooking process. This keeps the pasta’s texture just right and preps it for the cooler notes of the salad.
Step 2: Combine the Salad Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, toss together the cooled pasta with crumbled feta, juicy dried cranberries, finely chopped red onion, and the optional toasted nuts. Mixing these ingredients at this stage helps the flavors mingle and ensures every bite is packed with variety.
Step 3: Prepare the Orange Vinaigrette
Whisk fresh orange juice, extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, a touch of honey (or maple syrup), and a pinch of salt and pepper in a small bowl. This vinaigrette is bright and velvety, marrying the savory with just enough citrus zing and sweetness to make the salad sing.
Step 4: Dress the Salad
Pour the orange vinaigrette over the pasta mixture and gently toss until every piece of penne is coated and the ingredients are well combined. This step ensures an even flavor profile and prevents the salad from becoming soggy.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Finish by sprinkling fresh, chopped parsley over the top for an herbaceous, fresh note and a lovely green contrast. Serve your Feta & Cranberry Penne Salad with Orange Vinaigrette Recipe chilled or at room temperature for the best experience.
How to Serve Feta & Cranberry Penne Salad with Orange Vinaigrette Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a few more toasted nuts or extra crumbled feta on top right before serving elevates the texture and layered flavors. A scatter of fresh herbs like parsley or even mint gives a refreshing lift and gorgeous visual appeal, making your dish irresistible at the table.
Side Dishes
This penne salad pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken, roasted vegetables, or even alongside a crisp green salad. Its bright, zesty character complements rich mains exceptionally well, making it a perfect picnic or potluck companion too.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving this salad in decorative mason jars for an on-the-go lunch or portion it into colorful lettuce cups for an elegant appetizer. You can also layer it with fresh greens or serve it atop a bed of arugula to add a peppery bite and visual interest.
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 well for up to 3 days, making it an excellent option for meal prep or enjoying as a quick lunch.
Freezing
Because of the fresh vegetables and cheese, freezing this pasta salad is not recommended—it can alter the texture and flavor. Instead, it’s best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated for a short time.
Reheating
This salad is best served cold or at room temperature. If you prefer it slightly warm, remove it from the fridge a few minutes before serving and toss gently to refresh the flavors, but avoid microwaving as it may melt the feta and wilt the ingredients.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta in this salad?
Absolutely! While penne is ideal for holding the dressing and mix-ins, other short pastas like rotini, farfalle, or fusilli work just as well and can add a fun twist to the texture.
Is it possible to make the vinaigrette without honey?
Yes, you can substitute honey with maple syrup or a little agave nectar for a similar sweetness or omit it entirely if you prefer a more tart dressing. Adjust to taste!
Can I add protein to make this a more filling meal?
Definitely! Grilled chicken, chickpeas, or even flaked salmon would be fantastic additions that complement the flavors while making the salad more substantial.
How far in advance can I prepare this salad?
For the freshest texture, it’s best to prepare the pasta and vinaigrette separately a day ahead, then combine everything just before serving. This keeps the pasta from absorbing too much dressing and becoming soggy.
Can I substitute dried cranberries with fresh fruit?
You can try fresh pomegranate seeds or chopped apples for a fresh, juicy twist, though dried cranberries provide a unique chewy texture and concentrated sweetness that pairs beautifully here.
Final Thoughts
This Feta & Cranberry Penne Salad with Orange Vinaigrette Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate—bright, fresh, and joyful. I can’t recommend it enough for when you want something flavorful, fuss-free, and a little special. Give it a try and watch it quickly become a beloved staple in your meal rotation.
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Feta & Cranberry Penne Salad with Orange Vinaigrette Recipe
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A refreshing and vibrant Feta & Cranberry Penne Salad tossed with a citrusy orange vinaigrette, combining tangy feta, sweet dried cranberries, crunchy nuts, and fresh herbs for a perfect light meal or side dish.
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 it under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it down.
- Combine salad ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled penne pasta with crumbled feta cheese, dried cranberries, finely chopped red onion, and toasted pecans or walnuts if using. Toss gently to mix evenly.
- Prepare the vinaigrette: In a small bowl, whisk together fresh orange juice, extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, honey or maple syrup, salt, and pepper until the dressing is smooth and emulsified.
- Dress the salad: Pour the prepared orange vinaigrette over the pasta mixture. Toss gently to coat all the ingredients evenly with the dressing, ensuring the flavors meld together beautifully.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the salad as a bright finishing touch. Serve the salad chilled or at room temperature, making it ideal for warm weather or as a side dish.
Notes
- You can substitute penne with any other short pasta shape like fusilli or rotini.
- For a nut-free version, simply omit the pecans or walnuts.
- Adjust the sweetness of the vinaigrette by varying the amount of honey or maple syrup to taste.
- This salad can be made ahead of time and refrigerated for up to 24 hours, but toss again before serving.
- Add chopped cucumbers or bell peppers for extra crunch and freshness if desired.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
