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.
