If you’re looking for a delightful and vibrant salad that’s perfect for any season, this Feta & Cranberry Penne Salad with Orange Vinaigrette Recipe is an absolute must-try. It’s a beautiful medley of flavors and textures that come together in just 20 minutes, making it a fantastic option for busy weeknights or impressive potlucks. The creamy feta and tart cranberries contrast wonderfully with the fresh orange vinaigrette, creating a refreshing and colorful dish that’s as pleasing to the eye as it is to the palate.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple ingredients make this salad shine, each adding its own touch to the final dish. From the chewy penne pasta to the zesty orange vinaigrette, every element contributes to a perfect balance of taste, texture, and color.
- 12 oz penne pasta: The hearty base that holds all the flavors together with a satisfying bite.
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese: Adds creamy, salty richness that complements the sweetness of the cranberries.
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries: Bring a burst of tart, chewy sweetness that keeps every mouthful interesting.
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped: Offers a slight sharpness and crunch to brighten the salad.
- 1/4 cup toasted pecans or walnuts (optional): Adds a lovely nutty crunch that’s perfect for texture contrast.
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped: Freshens up the salad with a mild herbal note and vibrant green color.
- 1/4 cup fresh orange juice: The star of the vinaigrette, giving a sunny, citrusy zing that lifts the whole dish.
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil: Smooths out the vinaigrette and brings richness without overpowering.
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar: Adds tanginess to balance the sweetness and richness.
- 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup: Just a touch of sweetness to round out the vinaigrette flavors.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasonings that bring all these ingredients together beautifully.
How to Make Feta & Cranberry Penne Salad with Orange Vinaigrette Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by cooking the penne pasta according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. This step is crucial because perfectly cooked pasta makes all the difference in texture. Once cooked, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water. This cools it down quickly and stops the cooking process, so your pasta salad stays nice and firm instead of mushy.
Step 2: Combine the Salad Ingredients
In a large bowl, toss together the cooled pasta, crumbled feta, dried cranberries, finely chopped red onion, and toasted nuts if you’re using them. This mix creates a wonderful balance of creamy, fruity, crunchy, and sharp notes that will delight every bite.
Step 3: Prepare the Orange Vinaigrette
Next, whisk together fresh orange juice, extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, honey or maple syrup, salt, and pepper in a small bowl until it’s smooth and well emulsified. The vinaigrette is the magic touch here, infusing the salad with bright citrus flavor and just the right amount of sweetness and acidity.
Step 4: Toss the Salad
Pour the orange vinaigrette over the pasta mixture. Gently toss everything together until every piece is evenly coated with that vibrant dressing. Be careful not to stir too roughly; you want to keep the feta from breaking up too much and maintain the integrity of the cranberries and nuts.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Finish the salad by sprinkling fresh parsley over the top for a burst of color and fresh herbal aroma. This salad is delicious served chilled or at room temperature, making it super versatile and convenient.
How to Serve Feta & Cranberry Penne Salad with Orange Vinaigrette Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is a simple but fantastic garnish that adds a pop of green and lively freshness to the salad. For an extra touch, you can also sprinkle a few whole toasted nuts on top or a few extra dried cranberries to make it visually inviting.
Side Dishes
This salad is a complete delight on its own but pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken, roasted vegetables, or even a light soup. Its bright flavors and satisfying ingredients make it a perfect companion to heartier mains or even as a standout dish for a picnic.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your Feta & Cranberry Penne Salad with Orange Vinaigrette Recipe in a colorful glass bowl to showcase its vibrant colors. Alternatively, try spooning it into hollowed-out bell peppers or small edible lettuce cups for a fun, bite-sized presentation that’s sure to impress guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This salad keeps really well in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just be sure to store it in an airtight container to retain freshness and flavors. Giving it a gentle stir before serving again helps to redistribute the dressing and refresh the texture.
Freezing
Because of the fresh ingredients like feta and the vinaigrette, freezing is not recommended for this salad. The texture and flavors of the ingredients, especially the cranberries and nuts, won’t hold up well after freezing and thawing.
Reheating
This salad is best enjoyed cold or at room temperature, so reheating is not necessary. If you prefer it slightly warmer, let it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes, but avoid microwaving to keep the feta from melting and the pasta integrity intact.
FAQs
Can I use another type of pasta instead of penne?
Absolutely! Shapes like fusilli, rotini, or farfalle also work wonderfully in this salad since they hold on to dressing and mix well with the other ingredients.
Is there a substitute for feta cheese?
If you’re not a fan of feta or want a milder option, try using goat cheese or even a crumbly mozzarella. Keep in mind these will alter the flavor slightly but still add great creaminess.
Can I make this salad vegan?
Yes, swap the feta for a plant-based cheese alternative and replace honey with maple syrup. The rest of the ingredients are already vegan-friendly.
How far in advance can I prepare this salad?
You can prepare it up to a day ahead. Just keep the vinaigrette separate until just before serving to prevent the pasta from soaking it all up and becoming soggy.
What can I use instead of dried cranberries?
If cranberries aren’t your favorite, dried cherries or raisins make excellent substitutes that offer similar sweetness and chewiness.
Final Thoughts
There’s something incredibly satisfying about a salad that’s bursting with flavor and comes together so quickly. The Feta & Cranberry Penne Salad with Orange Vinaigrette Recipe has become a personal favorite because it delivers on all fronts: easy preparation, stunning colors, and that perfect harmony of sweet, savory, and tangy. Whether you’re feeding a family or need a dish to impress friends, this salad is sure to shine and keep everyone coming back for more. Give it a try—you won’t regret it!
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 vibrant Feta & Cranberry Penne Salad tossed in a zesty orange vinaigrette. This quick and easy pasta salad combines salty feta, sweet dried cranberries, crisp red onion, and crunchy nuts for a perfect balance of flavors and textures. Ideal for a light lunch or a side dish at gatherings, served chilled or at room temperature.
Ingredients
Pasta 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 package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse the pasta under cold water to cool it down and stop the cooking process.
- Combine salad ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the cooled penne pasta, crumbled feta cheese, dried cranberries, finely chopped red onion, and toasted nuts if using. Gently toss to combine all the ingredients 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 a pinch of salt and pepper. Whisk until the dressing is smooth and emulsified.
- Toss salad with dressing: Pour the orange vinaigrette over the pasta salad mixture. Toss gently but thoroughly to ensure every bite is coated in the flavorful dressing.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley over the salad and serve chilled or at room temperature for best flavor.
Notes
- You can substitute penne pasta with any other short pasta like rotini or farfalle.
- For added crunch, feel free to use toasted walnuts or pecans as suggested, or omit for a nut-free option.
- Adjust the sweetness of the vinaigrette by adding more or less honey or maple syrup according to your preference.
- Make this salad ahead of time and refrigerate for up to 24 hours; flavors will meld beautifully.
- For a vegan version, omit feta cheese or use a plant-based cheese alternative.
