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.
