If you’re looking to brighten up your meal rotation with something bursting with flavor, texture, and a delightful pop of color, the Feta & Cranberry Penne Salad with Orange Vinaigrette Recipe is an absolute must-try. This salad perfectly balances creamy feta, sweet and tangy dried cranberries, and the zesty zing of fresh orange vinaigrette, creating a dish that’s as inviting as it is satisfying. Whether you’re serving it at a casual lunch, a picnic, or alongside your favorite dinner, it’s a fresh twist on pasta salad that’s sure to impress and delight.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are wonderfully simple yet thoughtfully chosen to bring a harmonious blend of sweet, savory, and fresh flavors to the table. Each one plays a crucial role — from the al dente penne pasta providing a hearty base, to the bright orange vinaigrette that ties everything together with a citrusy finish.
- 12 oz penne pasta: The perfect pasta shape to hold on to all the dressing and mix-ins beautifully.
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese: Adds creamy, salty richness that contrasts nicely with the sweetness.
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries: Bring a burst of chewy, fruity tartness to every bite.
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped: Offers a subtle sharpness that enlivens the salad.
- 1/4 cup toasted pecans or walnuts (optional): For an irresistible crunch and toasty depth.
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped: Adds vibrant color and a hint of herbaceous freshness.
- 1/4 cup fresh orange juice: The star ingredient in the vinaigrette, providing bright citrus flavor.
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil: Silky and smooth, it balances the acidity of the orange juice.
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar: Gives a touch of tang to brighten the dressing.
- 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup: Sweetens the vinaigrette naturally and rounds out the flavors.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasonings that bring all the ingredients together.
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 until al dente. Once cooked, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it down for the salad. This step ensures your pasta has the perfect texture, neither mushy nor too firm.
Step 2: Combine the Salad Ingredients
In a large bowl, toss together the cooled penne with crumbled feta cheese, sweet dried cranberries, finely chopped red onion, and the optional toasted pecans or walnuts. This combination brings a wonderful medley of flavors and textures that make every forkful interesting and delicious.
Step 3: Prepare the Orange Vinaigrette
Whisk together fresh orange juice, extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, honey (or maple syrup), salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Take your time to blend these ingredients well until smooth, creating a vibrant dressing that infuses the salad with freshness and just the right amount of sweetness.
Step 4: Dress the Salad
Pour the orange vinaigrette over the pasta mixture and toss gently to ensure every piece is beautifully coated. This step is where the flavors marry — the bright citrus dressing harmonizing with the feta and cranberries, creating a flavorful ensemble that’s truly irresistible.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Finish off by sprinkling fresh chopped parsley over the top for a splash of color and an herbaceous kick. Serve this salad chilled or at room temperature, whichever you prefer, and enjoy all those fresh and vibrant flavors coming together.
How to Serve Feta & Cranberry Penne Salad with Orange Vinaigrette Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate presentation and taste, add a few extra bits of crumbled feta or a small handful of nuts on top just before serving. A sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper or a few orange zest curls can also brighten the salad visually and gastronomy-wise.
Side Dishes
This salad pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken or fish for a light and balanced meal. It’s also fantastic alongside a simple green salad or crusty artisan bread to round out your plate with extra textures and flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the salad in individual mason jars for a grab-and-go picnic treat or layer it in a beautiful glass bowl to showcase the vibrant colors of the cranberries, feta, and parsley. It’s equally eye-catching in a rustic wooden bowl for family-style dining.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This Feta & Cranberry Penne Salad with Orange Vinaigrette Recipe stores beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually tend to meld and deepen overnight, making it a great option to prepare ahead.
Freezing
Because of the fresh ingredients like feta cheese and orange vinaigrette, freezing is not recommended for this salad. Once thawed, the texture and flavor of the fresh components will be compromised.
Reheating
This salad is best enjoyed cold or at room temperature, so reheating isn’t necessary. If you prefer it slightly warmer, let it sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before serving.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While penne works wonderfully because of its shape, other pasta types like rotini or farfalle are excellent substitutes and will hold the dressing and ingredients just as well.
Is there a dairy-free alternative to feta?
Yes, you can substitute feta with a plant-based cheese or simply omit it for a vegan-friendly salad. Adding extra nuts can help retain a satisfying texture and flavor profile.
Can I make the orange vinaigrette in advance?
Definitely! The vinaigrette can be whisked together a day ahead and stored in the fridge. Just give it a good shake or stir before dressing your salad to recombine the ingredients.
What nuts work best in this salad?
Toasted pecans and walnuts provide a lovely crunch and flavor, but feel free to experiment with almonds or even pistachios based on your personal preference.
How do I prevent the salad from becoming soggy?
Make sure to rinse and cool your pasta thoroughly before mixing it with the dressing and other ingredients. Also, dress the salad just before serving, or store dressing separately and toss it in later.
Final Thoughts
This Feta & Cranberry Penne Salad with Orange Vinaigrette Recipe is a true celebration of fresh, vibrant flavors and satisfying textures, perfect for any occasion where you want something bright, easy, and delicious. I really encourage you to give it a go — it’s a recipe that stays exciting bite after bite, guaranteed to win over family and friends!
Print
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 refreshing and colorful Feta & Cranberry Penne Salad tossed with a vibrant orange vinaigrette. This easy-to-make dish combines tender penne pasta, tangy feta cheese, sweet dried cranberries, crunchy nuts, and a bright citrus dressing, perfect for a light lunch or a side salad for gatherings.
Ingredients
Pasta and Cheese
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
Fruits and Vegetables
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Nuts (Optional)
- 1/4 cup toasted pecans or walnuts
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: Cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Once cooked, drain the pasta and rinse under cold water to cool it down and stop the cooking process.
- Combine salad ingredients: In a large bowl, add the cooled pasta, crumbled feta cheese, dried cranberries, finely chopped red onion, and toasted pecans or walnuts if using. Gently mix the ingredients to combine evenly.
- Prepare the vinaigrette: In a small bowl, whisk together fresh orange juice, extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, honey or maple syrup, and salt and pepper until the vinaigrette is smooth and well emulsified.
- Toss the salad: Pour the prepared orange vinaigrette over the pasta mixture. Toss gently to ensure everything is coated evenly with the dressing.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley over the salad for a burst of color and freshness. Serve chilled or at room temperature as a vibrant side dish or light main course.
Notes
- For a nut-free version, simply omit the toasted pecans or walnuts.
- Honey can be substituted with maple syrup to make it vegan-friendly.
- This salad can be prepared a few hours in advance and kept refrigerated; just toss again before serving.
- Add grilled chicken or chickpeas for extra protein.
- Ensure the pasta is fully cooled before tossing to prevent wilted ingredients.
