If you’re craving a vibrant, flavorful, and nutritious dish that feels like a celebration in every bite, this Healthy Feta and Cranberry Penne Salad with Orange Vinaigrette Recipe is just what you need. Combining the tangy creaminess of feta, the subtle sweetness of cranberries, and the bright zest of fresh orange vinaigrette, this salad perfectly balances texture and taste. It’s not only a feast for your palate but also a colorful addition to your table that’s easy to whip up on a busy day or impress guests with no fuss.

Penne pasta uncooked and cooked al dente, rustic golden tubes scattered loosely on a clean white surface; fresh vibrant green arugula leaves artistically fanned out and layered in a neat pile; crumbly white feta cheese chunks and crumbles arranged in small clusters; glossy deep red dried cranberries scattered playfully; toasted pecans with warm brown tones and textured surfaces grouped in small piles showing their natural ridges; a small glass bowl holding bright orange fresh orange juice with visible zest flecks; sprigs of orange zest artfully placed nearby for color pop; a drizzle of golden olive oil pooling slightly in a clear dish; a small bowl containing smooth honey with a rich amber color; a tiny dish of Dijon mustard with a creamy yellow hue; coarse black pepper and flaky sea salt sprinkled gently around the composition for texture and contrast. All ingredients spaced evenly with natural lighting accentuating the variety of colors and textures on a clean white background. Overhead shot, top down view, flat lay photography, professional food styling --ar 1:1 --q 2 --s 750 --v 6.1

Ingredients You’ll Need

Getting the ingredients right is the secret to a dish that sings with flavor. This salad’s components are simple, yet each plays a crucial role in building layers of taste and texture—from the peppery arugula to the crunchy toasted pecans.

8 oz penne pasta: Cooks quickly and holds the dressing well for perfect bite-sized pasta pieces.
4 cups fresh arugula: Adds a peppery green freshness that lightens the salad beautifully.
3/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled: Provides creamy, salty tanginess that elevates the overall flavor.
1/2 cup dried cranberries: Offers natural sweetness and chewiness for delightful contrast.
1/2 cup pecans, toasted: Brings a warm nutty crunch enhancing texture and flavor depth.
1/4 cup fresh orange juice: The star of the vinaigrette, delivering bright citrus acidity.
1 tsp orange zest: Intensifies the citrus punch with aromatic oils.
3 tbsp olive oil: Creates a silky base for the dressing, balancing acidity with smoothness.
1 tbsp honey: Adds a touch of natural sweetness to round out the vinaigrette flavors.
1 tsp Dijon mustard: Gives the dressing a subtle sharp kick and helps emulsify the ingredients.
1/4 tsp salt: Enhances all the flavors perfectly without overpowering.
1/4 tsp black pepper: Adds a gentle hint of spice to lift the entire dish.

How to Make Healthy Feta and Cranberry Penne Salad with Orange Vinaigrette Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Penne Pasta

Start off by cooking the penne pasta until it is al dente, which means it should still have a bit of a bite in the center. This texture is key because it prevents the pasta from becoming mushy once combined with the vinaigrette and other ingredients. After draining, rinse the pasta under cold water to halt the cooking process and cool it down for the salad.

Step 2: Toast the Pecans

While the pasta cooks, toast the pecans in a dry skillet on medium heat for about 3 to 4 minutes. Toasting nuts is a game-changer; it unlocks their oils and amplifies their flavor and crunchiness, making them the perfect complement to the creamy feta and sweet cranberries.

Step 3: Prepare the Orange Vinaigrette

Whisk together olive oil, fresh orange juice, orange zest, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl or jar until everything is emulsified into a smooth vinaigrette. The fresh citrus juices and zest punch up the brightness, while honey adds a touch of sweetness that glues all the flavors together beautifully.

Step 4: Assemble the Salad Base

Use a large salad bowl or an attractive platter to layer the ingredients, starting with fresh arugula as the nutritious base. The peppery greens provide a lovely contrast in flavor and texture when paired underneath the other vivid salad components.

Step 5: Add Pasta and Top with Feta, Cranberries, and Pecans

Scatter the cooled penne pasta evenly over the arugula. Then sprinkle on the crumbled feta cheese, dried cranberries, and toasted pecans. Each ingredient delivers unique bursts of flavor and texture, making every forkful a delightful surprise.

Step 6: Dress and Toss

Drizzle the orange vinaigrette over the salad just before serving. Toss the salad gently if you prefer everything to be evenly coated or leave it mostly layered so that each bite offers a variety of tastes. This final step brings all the components together into a harmonious, refreshing dish.

How to Serve Healthy Feta and Cranberry Penne Salad with Orange Vinaigrette Recipe

Garnishes

For an extra special touch, sprinkle some fresh chopped herbs such as basil or parsley on top. A few extra pecan halves or a sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper not only adds visual appeal but also enhances the flavor. The garnish is your invitation for guests to admire and dig in.

Side Dishes

This salad pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken or fish for a light yet satisfying meal. It also complements Mediterranean dishes beautifully, so consider serving it alongside grilled pita bread and hummus for a vibrant, balanced spread.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to serve this salad at a party or potluck, consider layering it in a clear glass bowl to showcase its pretty colors and textures. Alternatively, serving individual portions in small cups or jars makes it easy for guests to enjoy while mingling.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This Healthy Feta and Cranberry Penne Salad with Orange Vinaigrette Recipe keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To prevent the salad from becoming soggy, store the dressing separately and toss just before serving.

Freezing

Because of the fresh greens, feta, and vinaigrette, freezing this salad is not recommended as it will compromise texture and flavor. It’s best enjoyed fresh or within a couple of days for optimal taste.

Reheating

This salad is best served cold or at room temperature. If you prefer, you can reheat just the pasta portion lightly before mixing with the other ingredients, but avoid heating the entire salad to preserve the freshness and texture.

FAQs

Can I substitute another type of pasta for penne?

Absolutely! While penne works best due to its tubular shape that holds the dressing nicely, other pasta shapes like fusilli or rotini would also pair well with this salad.

Is this recipe suitable for a vegan diet?

To make this salad vegan-friendly, simply replace feta cheese with a plant-based cheese alternative and use maple syrup instead of honey in the vinaigrette.

What can I use instead of pecans?

If pecans aren’t your favorite, walnuts or almonds toasted the same way will add wonderful crunch and flavor to the salad.

Can I prepare the salad entirely in advance?

It’s best to prepare most of the salad ahead but add the vinaigrette and toss just before serving to keep everything fresh and crisp.

Does this salad work as a main dish?

Definitely! The penne pasta combined with protein-rich feta and nutrient-packed arugula makes it filling enough to be a light main course, especially on warmer days.

Final Thoughts

Trying this Healthy Feta and Cranberry Penne Salad with Orange Vinaigrette Recipe is like giving your taste buds a sunny, refreshing hug. The combination of fresh, sweet, tangy, and crunchy ingredients makes it a truly versatile and delightful dish to enjoy any time. Whether you’re feeding a family or hosting friends, it’s a recipe that’s simple to make but impossible to forget. So grab those ingredients and get ready to whip up something wonderfully healthy and delicious!