If you’re looking for a salad that bursts with vibrant flavors and delightful textures, then you have to try this Feta & Cranberry Penne Salad with Orange Vinaigrette Recipe. It’s a fantastic combination of creamy feta, sweet dried cranberries, and tender penne pasta all brought together by a zesty, refreshing orange vinaigrette. This salad is perfect for a light lunch, a potluck, or a picnic where you want something that’s both colorful and delicious. Trust me, once you dig into this dish, it’ll quickly become a new favorite in your recipe collection.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, fresh ingredients is key to making this salad sing. Each item plays a special role, whether it’s adding tang, crunch, or a burst of sweetness, coming together perfectly for a recipe that’s easy but packed with deliciousness.
- 12 oz penne pasta: The perfect pasta shape for holding onto the vinaigrette and mixing beautifully with the other ingredients.
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese: Adds a creamy and tangy element that balances the sweetness of cranberries.
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries: These bring a chewy texture and a juicy sweetness to the salad.
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped: Offers a subtle sharpness and a pop of color.
- 1/4 cup toasted pecans or walnuts (optional): Adds a nutty crunch for contrast and extra flavor.
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped: Brings a fresh herbal note and brightens up the dish.
- 1/4 cup fresh orange juice: The star in the vinaigrette, giving it a zesty and fruity base.
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil: Balances the acidity with smooth richness and helps the dressing coat every bite.
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar: Adds just the right amount of tangy depth.
- 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup: Sweetens the dressing gently to complement the tart cranberries.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasonings that elevate all the flavors.
How to Make Feta & Cranberry Penne Salad with Orange Vinaigrette Recipe
Step 1: Cook and Cool the Pasta
Start by boiling your penne pasta according to the package directions until it’s perfectly al dente—firm but tender. Once cooked, drain it well, then rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it down. This helps keep the pasta from getting mushy and makes it ready to soak up every bit of the dressing.
Step 2: Combine the Main Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, toss together the cooled penne pasta with crumbled feta, dried cranberries, finely chopped red onion, and toasted nuts if you’re using them. This combination brings together creamy, sweet, and crunchy textures that make every forkful interesting.
Step 3: Whisk Up the Orange Vinaigrette
Grab a smaller bowl and whisk the fresh orange juice, extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, and honey or maple syrup along with a pinch of salt and pepper. Whisk it until smooth and slightly emulsified—this dressing is the magical ingredient that ties the entire salad together with its bright and tangy flavor.
Step 4: Dress and Toss the Salad
Pour the orange vinaigrette over your pasta mixture, then gently toss everything so every piece of penne and morsel of feta is coated with that lively, citrusy dressing. Taking care not to break up the cheese too much, this step ensures the flavors meld beautifully.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Finish off with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley to add a pop of green and an herby freshness. Serve this salad chilled or at room temperature depending on your preference. Either way, it’s a delightful dish that’s ready to enjoy right away or perfect for making ahead.
How to Serve Feta & Cranberry Penne Salad with Orange Vinaigrette Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkling extra fresh herbs like mint or basil can add an exciting twist and more vibrant color to your salad. You can also add a few extra crumbled feta pieces and nuts on top for a beautiful presentation and added texture.
Side Dishes
This salad pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken or fish, complementing the savory proteins with its bright and slightly sweet notes. It’s also a lovely addition alongside crusty bread or stuffed into pita pockets for a fresh, balanced meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving this salad in individual mason jars for picnics or packed lunches, making it easy and attractive. You can also arrange it over a bed of mixed greens or stuff it inside halved bell peppers for an extra special presentation that will wow your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This penne salad keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen over time, but I’d recommend adding extra fresh parsley just before serving to keep it bright.
Freezing
Because of the fresh ingredients and dressing, freezing this salad is not ideal—especially since the feta and cranberries can lose their texture. It’s best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated rather than frozen.
Reheating
This salad is designed to be eaten cold or at room temperature, so reheating isn’t necessary. If you prefer it slightly warmer, just let it sit out for a bit or enjoy it straight from the fridge.
FAQs
Can I use a different pasta shape?
Absolutely! While penne works wonderfully here, other short pasta like rotini, farfalle, or fusilli would also hold the dressing and mix-ins nicely.
What can I substitute for feta cheese?
If feta isn’t your favorite, try goat cheese or even a mild ricotta salata. Each will bring its own unique creaminess and tang.
Is the orange vinaigrette sweet or tangy?
The vinaigrette strikes a lovely balance. It’s tangy from the fresh orange juice and vinegar with just a hint of sweetness from the honey or maple syrup, complementing the salad ingredients perfectly.
Can this salad be made vegan?
Yes! Simply omit the feta cheese or replace it with a vegan cheese alternative, and make sure to use maple syrup instead of honey in the vinaigrette.
How long does this salad keep in the fridge?
Stored in an airtight container, it will stay fresh and tasty for about 3 days. Just stir in a little extra fresh parsley before serving to refresh the flavors.
Final Thoughts
I hope you feel inspired to try out this delightful Feta & Cranberry Penne Salad with Orange Vinaigrette Recipe soon. It’s a wonderful balance of flavors and textures that’s both easy to make and impressive to serve. Whether you’re feeding a family, hosting friends, or just looking for a vibrant new salad idea, this recipe is guaranteed to put a smile on your face and brighten your table. Enjoy!
