Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I absolutely love this salad because of how refreshing and colorful it is. The combination of the creamy feta and the tart cranberries makes each bite pop with flavor. The orange vinaigrette is the perfect finishing touch, bringing a zesty sweetness that ties everything together beautifully. Whether served on a warm day or during a cozy dinner, this salad adds a burst of flavor that never disappoints.
Ingredients
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1 lb penne pasta
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1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
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1/2 cup dried cranberries
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1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced
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1/4 cup olive oil
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1/4 cup fresh orange juice
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2 tbsp white wine vinegar
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1 tsp honey
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Salt and pepper, to taste
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
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Begin by cooking the penne pasta according to the package directions. Once cooked, drain the pasta and rinse it with cold water to cool it down.
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In a large bowl, combine the cooked penne pasta, crumbled feta cheese, dried cranberries, and thinly sliced red onion. Set aside.
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To make the orange vinaigrette, whisk together the olive oil, fresh orange juice, white wine vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper in a separate bowl until well combined.
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Pour the vinaigrette over the pasta salad mixture and toss everything gently to coat the ingredients evenly.
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Serve immediately or refrigerate for an hour to allow the flavors to meld together.
Servings and Timing
This recipe yields about 4-6 servings and takes approximately 30 minutes to prepare, including the time for cooking and assembling the ingredients.
Variations
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For a nutty crunch, add chopped walnuts or almonds to the salad.
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If I want to add some extra protein, grilled chicken or turkey breast can be a great addition.
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I sometimes swap out the feta for goat cheese or a sharp blue cheese for a different flavor profile.
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For a more substantial salad, I add some baby spinach or arugula alongside the pasta.
Storage/Reheating
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To store, place any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
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Since this salad is served cold, it does not require reheating. Just give it a gentle toss before serving.
FAQs
How can I make this salad ahead of time?
If I want to make this salad ahead of time, I prepare everything as directed and refrigerate it for an hour or even overnight. However, I wait to add the vinaigrette until just before serving to prevent the pasta from absorbing too much of the dressing.
Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried ones?
I prefer dried cranberries because they provide a chewy texture and a touch of sweetness. However, fresh cranberries can be used, but they will be more tart. If using fresh cranberries, I recommend adding a little sugar or honey to balance the flavor.
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, I can definitely substitute penne with any other type of pasta I prefer, such as fusilli, rotini, or farfalle. The texture and shape may vary, but it won’t affect the overall flavor.
Is this salad suitable for a gluten-free diet?
To make this salad gluten-free, I simply use gluten-free penne pasta as a replacement for regular pasta. All the other ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
Can I add more vegetables to the salad?
I love experimenting with additional vegetables! Sometimes, I add diced cucumber, cherry tomatoes, or bell peppers for a colorful, crunchy twist.
Conclusion
This Feta & Cranberry Penne Salad with Orange Vinaigrette is the perfect blend of flavors and textures that I crave. It’s simple to make, packed with nutrition, and versatile enough to suit various tastes. Whether for a casual lunch or a side at dinner, this salad will become a favorite. I love how refreshing and light it is while still feeling hearty with the penne and feta. Enjoy!
Print
Feta & Cranberry Penne Salad with Orange Vinaigrette
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4-6 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: Tossing
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Feta & Cranberry Penne Salad with Orange Vinaigrette is a fresh and vibrant salad that combines creamy feta, sweet cranberries, and tangy orange vinaigrette. Perfect as a side dish or light meal, this flavorful pasta salad is an easy and delicious addition to any meal.
Ingredients
1 lb penne pasta
1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
1/2 cup dried cranberries
1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced
1/4 cup olive oil
1/4 cup fresh orange juice
2 tbsp white wine vinegar
1 tsp honey
Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
Cook the penne pasta according to package directions. Drain and rinse with cold water to cool.
In a large bowl, combine the cooked penne, crumbled feta, dried cranberries, and red onion. Set aside.
For the vinaigrette, whisk together olive oil, fresh orange juice, white wine vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper in a small bowl until well combined.
Pour the vinaigrette over the pasta mixture and toss gently to coat evenly.
Serve immediately or refrigerate for 1 hour to allow flavors to meld.
Notes
Add chopped walnuts or almonds for a nutty crunch.
Grilled chicken or turkey breast can be added for extra protein.
Goat cheese or sharp blue cheese can be used in place of feta for a different flavor.
Add baby spinach or arugula for a more substantial salad.
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. The salad is served cold, so no reheating is needed.
