Let me introduce you to a salad that’s anything but ordinary: Feta & Cranberry Penne Salad with Orange Vinaigrette. This vibrant dish packs a punch of flavors and textures in every bite – from the sweet-tart cranberries to the creamy, salty feta, the crunch of toasted nuts, all wrapped up in citrusy brightness. Whether you’re hosting a brunch, packing a picnic, or just craving something colorful and satisfying, you’ll find this salad is as joyful to eat as it is easy to make.
Ingredients You’ll Need
There’s no need to overcomplicate – each ingredient in this salad plays a starring role, contributing either flavor, texture, or a burst of color. Quality basics combine here with just a few specialties, making every bite of this Feta & Cranberry Penne Salad with Orange Vinaigrette truly memorable.
- Penne Pasta: The classic shape holds just the right amount of vinaigrette and mingles beautifully with the other ingredients.
- Dried Cranberries: Bring a burst of chewy sweetness that plays oh-so-well against the tangy vinaigrette.
- Crumbled Feta Cheese: Offers creamy, salty pops of flavor that really give this salad its personality.
- Chopped Walnuts or Pecans, Toasted: Nutty crunch adds depth; toasting is key for that deep, aromatic flavor.
- Red Onion, Finely Chopped: Lends bold, zesty notes and a pretty hint of purple.
- Baby Spinach or Mixed Greens, Roughly Chopped: Adds freshness and a gentle earthy backbone; arugula is a fun, peppery swap.
- Fresh Orange Juice: The foundation of your vinaigrette – nothing beats the brightness of fresh citrus for this salad.
- Olive Oil: Smooths and enriches the dressing; choose a good extra virgin for best results.
- Apple Cider Vinegar: Offers a fruity tang and balances the sweetness of the orange juice.
- Honey or Maple Syrup: A touch of natural sweetness that helps mellow out the acidity.
- Dijon Mustard: Just a dab binds the vinaigrette and adds subtle warmth.
- Salt and Black Pepper: These classic seasonings pull everything together.
How to Make Feta & Cranberry Penne Salad with Orange Vinaigrette
Step 1: Cook and Cool the Penne
Start off by cooking your penne pasta according to the package directions, just until al dente. This ensures your pasta holds its shape and doesn’t get mushy once you toss it with the vibrant mix-ins. Once it’s perfectly tender, drain immediately and rinse under cold water to bring the temperature down — this stops the cooking process and keeps your pasta salad deliciously cool and springy.
Step 2: Prep Your Salad Mix
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled penne with the dried cranberries, crumbled feta, toasted walnuts or pecans, red onion, and chopped spinach (or mixed greens). Layering each ingredient means every forkful will have a bit of everything, making the Feta & Cranberry Penne Salad with Orange Vinaigrette a delightful explosion of flavor and texture.
Step 3: Whisk Up the Orange Vinaigrette
Grab a small bowl or a jar with a tight-fitting lid. Add the fresh orange juice, olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey (or maple syrup), Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper. Whisk or shake briskly until the vinaigrette is fully emulsified and glossy. Your dressing should taste a touch sweet and gently tangy, perfect for tying this whole salad together.
Step 4: Dress and Toss
Drizzle the zesty orange vinaigrette all over the pasta and veggie mixture. Using tongs or a big spoon, gently toss the salad until everything is evenly coated. This is the moment when all those lively flavors start melding into the magic that makes this dish a crowd-pleaser.
Step 5: Chill and Meld
Cover your bowl and let the salad chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This resting time lets the flavors truly develop and marry together, so every bite is a burst of citrus, creaminess, crunch, and freshness. Serve the Feta & Cranberry Penne Salad with Orange Vinaigrette cold or let it warm up to room temperature for an even brighter aroma.
How to Serve Feta & Cranberry Penne Salad with Orange Vinaigrette
Garnishes
A final flourish makes all the difference! Try a sprinkle of extra crumbled feta, a handful of microgreens, or a few twists of black pepper just before serving. Even a few extra toasted nuts on top will boost that nutty aroma and crunch, making your Feta & Cranberry Penne Salad with Orange Vinaigrette pop visually and in flavor.
Side Dishes
This salad shines as a light main dish but also plays well with others. Pair it alongside a warm bowl of roasted tomato soup, grilled chicken breast, or a fresh baguette with whipped butter for a slightly more filling spread. For brunch, it nestles beautifully with egg dishes and a platter of fresh fruit.
Creative Ways to Present
Think beyond the bowl! For a picnic or party, spoon individual servings into mini mason jars or serve atop crisp butter lettuce leaves. Layering in a glass trifle bowl highlights the gorgeous colors and textures. And for lunchboxes, package the salad and a small container of the vinaigrette separately, tossing together right before eating for peak freshness.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Pop any leftover Feta & Cranberry Penne Salad with Orange Vinaigrette into an airtight container and refrigerate. It’ll stay fresh and delicious for up to three days. Give it a gentle toss before serving again to redistribute the dressing and perk up the flavors.
Freezing
Freezing pasta salads usually isn’t recommended since the texture of the greens and feta can suffer. That said, you could freeze the cooked pasta and pre-chopped nuts separately for quicker assembly next time, but always add fresh greens and dressing just before serving for the best results.
Reheating
This salad truly shines served cold or at room temperature, so there’s no need to reheat. If you want to take the chill off straight from the fridge, let it sit out for 10-15 minutes before serving – the flavors really come alive as it warms up just a bit.
FAQs
Can I make Feta & Cranberry Penne Salad with Orange Vinaigrette ahead of time?
Absolutely! This salad was born for making ahead. Prepare everything up to a day in advance, cover tightly, and let it chill in the fridge. In fact, letting the flavors meld overnight can make it taste even better the next day!
What protein can I add to make this salad a full meal?
For a more substantial meal, add grilled chicken, rotisserie turkey, or even chickpeas for a vegetarian boost. Each option blends seamlessly and soaks up the vibrant orange vinaigrette, making the Feta & Cranberry Penne Salad with Orange Vinaigrette both satisfying and nutritious.
Is there a good gluten-free substitute for the penne?
Definitely! Any sturdy gluten-free pasta will work beautifully here – look for rice, corn, or chickpea-based penne shapes. Just be sure to cook al dente and rinse well to avoid stickiness.
How can I make the vinaigrette less sweet?
Simply ease up on the honey or maple syrup, or use a more tart variety of oranges. Taste as you go, and adjust with a little extra vinegar or a pinch of salt to balance flavors and match your preferences.
What other greens can I use instead of spinach?
Feel free to get creative! Peppery arugula, earthy baby kale, or even shredded romaine add their own personality. Mixing and matching greens keeps your Feta & Cranberry Penne Salad with Orange Vinaigrette fresh and interesting every time you make it.
Final Thoughts
Give this Feta & Cranberry Penne Salad with Orange Vinaigrette a spot in your regular rotation, and you’ll see just how easy, adaptable, and totally irresistible it can be. With its gorgeous colors and layered flavors, it’s sure to brighten up any table and bring a smile to everyone who tries it.
Print
Feta & Cranberry Penne Salad with Orange Vinaigrette Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes (plus chilling time)
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Feta & Cranberry Penne Salad with Orange Vinaigrette is a delightful and refreshing pasta salad perfect for a light lunch or a side dish at a gathering. The combination of sweet cranberries, tangy feta, crunchy nuts, and a zesty orange vinaigrette creates a flavor-packed dish that is sure to impress.
Ingredients
Penne Salad:
- 8 ounces penne pasta
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/3 cup chopped walnuts or pecans, toasted
- 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion
- 2 cups baby spinach or mixed greens, roughly chopped
Orange Vinaigrette:
- 1/4 cup orange juice (fresh preferred)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
- 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Cook the penne pasta: Boil penne pasta until al dente, rinse with cold water, and set aside to cool.
- Prepare the salad: In a large bowl, mix pasta, cranberries, feta, nuts, red onion, and spinach.
- Make the vinaigrette: Whisk together orange juice, olive oil, vinegar, honey, Dijon, salt, and pepper.
- Toss and chill: Combine the vinaigrette with the salad, toss well, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- Serve: Enjoy the salad cold or at room temperature.
Notes
- You can substitute arugula for spinach for a peppery kick.
- Add grilled chicken for extra protein and a heartier meal.
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