If you’re on the lookout for a bright, flavorful salad that’s as colorful as it is delicious, you’re in for a real treat with this Feta & Cranberry Penne Salad with Orange Vinaigrette Recipe. It perfectly balances the tangy creaminess of feta cheese with the sweet burst of dried cranberries, all tossed in a zesty, homemade orange vinaigrette. This salad is refreshing yet satisfying, making it a fantastic choice for a quick lunch, a potluck contribution, or a light dinner. Plus, it comes together in just 20 minutes, so you can enjoy a dish that feels special without spending hours in the kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Feta & Cranberry Penne Salad with Orange Vinaigrette Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a key role in building a layered, vibrant flavor and enticing textures — from the comforting bite of penne pasta to the crunchy nuts and juicy bursts of orange in the dressing.
- 12 oz penne pasta: The perfect sturdy pasta to hold every bit of the delicious vinaigrette.
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese: Adds a creamy, salty contrast that complements the sweetness of cranberries beautifully.
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries: Sweet-tart jewels that bring color and a chewy texture to the salad.
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped: Provides a mild sharpness that wakes up every bite.
- 1/4 cup toasted pecans or walnuts (optional): Introduces a toasty crunch, elevating the overall mouthfeel.
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped: Offers a fresh herbal burst to brighten the salad.
- 1/4 cup fresh orange juice: The star of the vinaigrette, it delivers a bright citrus zing that ties everything together.
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil: Lends richness and smooth texture to the dressing.
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar: Adds just the right tanginess to balance the sweetness.
- 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup: A touch of natural sweetness to round out the vinaigrette.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasonings to enhance every flavor note.
How to Make Feta & Cranberry Penne Salad with Orange Vinaigrette Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Penne Pasta
Start by cooking your penne pasta according to the package instructions. This is important to get al dente pasta that will hold its shape and texture in your salad. Once cooked, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to cool it down quickly and stop the cooking process. This also helps prevent the pasta from sticking together.
Step 2: Combine the Main Salad Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, toss together the cooled penne pasta, crumbled feta cheese, dried cranberries, finely chopped red onion, and toasted pecans or walnuts if you’re using them. This combination sets the stage for a salad bursting with layers of taste and texture — creamy, sweet, sharp, and crunchy all at once.
Step 3: Make the Orange Vinaigrette
Whisk together the fresh orange juice, extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, and your choice of honey or maple syrup in a small bowl. Season with salt and pepper, then mix until the dressing is smooth and well combined. This homemade vinaigrette is the heart of the salad, lending a fresh, zesty brightness that lifts all the other flavors.
Step 4: Toss the Salad
Pour your orange vinaigrette over the pasta mixture and toss gently but thoroughly, making sure every bit of penne and every morsel of toppings is well coated. This step helps the flavors meld beautifully, and it ensures a perfectly dressed salad with every bite.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Finish off by sprinkling fresh chopped parsley on top. You can serve this Feta & Cranberry Penne Salad with Orange Vinaigrette Recipe chilled from the fridge or at room temperature — either way, it’s a refreshing, crowd-pleasing dish ready to enjoy.
How to Serve Feta & Cranberry Penne Salad with Orange Vinaigrette Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley adds a burst of color and herbaceous flavor that complements the salad beautifully. For an extra touch, sprinkle some toasted nuts on top just before serving for added crunch and aroma.
Side Dishes
This salad pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken, roasted vegetables, or even a light soup. Its vibrant flavors cut through richer dishes, making it an excellent choice for a balanced meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this salad in a clear glass bowl to show off the beautiful colors, or layer it in mason jars for an easy grab-and-go lunch option. For parties, arranging it on a large platter with extra feta and cranberries scattered on top makes for an inviting centerpiece.
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 stay fresh and flavorful for up to 2 days. Give it a gentle stir before serving to redistribute the dressing.
Freezing
This salad is best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated as freezing can change the texture of the pasta and fresh ingredients. It’s not recommended to freeze this particular dish.
Reheating
This salad is typically served cold or at room temperature and doesn’t require reheating. If you prefer it slightly warm, let it sit out for 20 minutes to come to room temperature before serving rather than microwaving.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta for this salad?
Absolutely! While penne is ideal because its shape holds the dressing well, other short pasta like rotini or farfalle will also work wonderfully.
Is it possible to make the vinaigrette ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the orange vinaigrette a day in advance and keep it in the fridge. Bring it to room temperature and whisk again before tossing with your pasta salad.
Can I substitute dried cranberries with fresh fruit?
You can try fresh pomegranate seeds or chopped fresh cranberries for a different twist, although dried cranberries provide that distinctive chewy sweetness and color contrast.
What if I don’t have nuts – can I skip them?
Of course! The nuts add crunch, but the salad is still delicious without them. If someone has nut allergies, you might try sunflower seeds for a nut-free crunch instead.
How long does this salad keep well in the fridge?
For the best taste and texture, enjoy your Feta & Cranberry Penne Salad with Orange Vinaigrette Recipe within 2 days of making it.
Final Thoughts
This Feta & Cranberry Penne Salad with Orange Vinaigrette Recipe is such a bright, uplifting dish that’s perfect for any season. Its combination of tangy, sweet, creamy, and crunchy is truly addictive, and it’s so straightforward to prepare. I can’t wait for you to taste it and make it a regular favorite too!
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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 vibrant and refreshing feta and cranberry penne salad tossed with a zesty orange vinaigrette, perfect for a quick and flavorful meal or side dish. This salad combines the tangy creaminess of feta cheese, the sweet chewiness of dried cranberries, and the crunch of nuts, all balanced with a citrusy dressing.
Ingredients
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 and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool the pasta.
- Combine salad ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the cooled pasta, crumbled feta cheese, dried cranberries, finely chopped red onion, and toasted nuts if using. Gently toss to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Prepare the orange vinaigrette: In a small bowl, whisk together fresh orange juice, extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, honey (or maple syrup), and season with salt and pepper to taste. Whisk until the dressing is smooth and emulsified.
- Dress the salad: Pour the vinaigrette over the pasta mixture. Toss gently but thoroughly to ensure every piece is coated with the flavorful dressing.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the salad as a final touch. Serve chilled or at room temperature, making it an ideal dish for picnics, lunches, or light dinners.
Notes
- For a nut-free version, simply omit the toasted pecans or walnuts.
- Use maple syrup instead of honey to make the vinaigrette vegan-friendly.
- To add extra freshness, consider including chopped cucumber or bell peppers.
- This salad can be prepared a few hours ahead and refrigerated to allow the flavors to meld.
- Leftovers keep well for up to 2 days when stored in an airtight container in the fridge.
