Feta & Cranberry Penne Salad with Orange Vinaigrette Recipe

Introduction

This Feta & Cranberry Penne Salad with Orange Vinaigrette is a refreshing, colorful dish perfect for a light lunch or a festive side. The combination of tangy feta, sweet cranberries, and a zesty orange dressing creates a delightful balance of flavors.

Ingredients

• 8 oz penne pasta
• ½ cup feta cheese, crumbled
• ½ cup dried cranberries
• ¼ cup toasted walnuts, chopped
• 2 cups baby spinach
• ¼ cup red onion, thinly sliced
• ¼ cup fresh orange juice
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

1. Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta, rinse under cold water to cool, and set aside.
2. Step 2: In a small bowl, whisk together fresh orange juice, olive oil, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper until the vinaigrette is smooth and well combined.
3. Step 3: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, crumbled feta cheese, dried cranberries, toasted and chopped walnuts, baby spinach, and thinly sliced red onion.
4. Step 4: Drizzle the orange vinaigrette over the salad and toss gently to evenly coat all ingredients with the dressing.

Tips & Variations

• Toast the walnuts just before adding to enhance their crunch and flavor.
• Substitute baby spinach with arugula or mixed greens for a different taste.
• For extra protein, add grilled chicken or chickpeas.
• Use fresh cranberries if available, chopped finely and lightly sweetened to balance tartness.

Storage

Store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To keep the spinach fresh, it’s best to store the dressing separately and toss just before serving. Reheat is not recommended as it’s best enjoyed cold or at room temperature.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the salad a few hours in advance. Keep the dressing separate and toss just before serving to prevent the spinach from wilting.

What can I use instead of feta cheese?

You can substitute feta with goat cheese or a mild cheddar for a different flavor profile, depending on your preference.

Feta & Cranberry Penne Salad with Orange Vinaigrette Recipe

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4.9 from 141 reviews

A refreshing and colorful Feta & Cranberry Penne Salad tossed with baby spinach and toasted walnuts, all brought together with a zesty homemade orange vinaigrette. Perfect for a light lunch or a vibrant side dish, this salad combines the creamy tang of feta with sweet dried cranberries and the crunch of toasted walnuts.

• Author: Victoria
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Salad
• Method: No-Cook
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pasta and Cheese

• 8 oz penne pasta
• ½ cup feta cheese, crumbled

Fruits and Nuts

• ½ cup dried cranberries
• ¼ cup toasted walnuts, chopped
• 2 cups baby spinach
• ¼ cup red onion, thinly sliced

Orange Vinaigrette

• ¼ cup fresh orange juice
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

1. 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 the pasta and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it down. Set aside.
2. Make the Orange Vinaigrette: In a small bowl, whisk together fresh orange juice, olive oil, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper until the dressing is well combined and emulsified.
3. Assemble the Salad: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled penne pasta, crumbled feta cheese, dried cranberries, toasted chopped walnuts, baby spinach, and thinly sliced red onion.
4. Dress & Toss: Drizzle the prepared orange vinaigrette over the salad ingredients. Toss gently but thoroughly to ensure everything is evenly coated with the dressing and flavors are well distributed.

Notes

• For best flavor, use freshly squeezed orange juice.
• To toast walnuts, heat them in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-5 minutes, stirring frequently until fragrant.
• Feel free to substitute penne with other pasta shapes like rotini or farfalle.
• This salad can be made ahead and chilled; toss again before serving.
• Add fresh herbs like parsley or basil for extra freshness if desired.

Keywords: Feta salad, Cranberry pasta salad, Orange vinaigrette, Penne salad, Vegetarian pasta salad, Walnut salad, Spinach pasta salad