This Feta & Cranberry Penne Salad with Orange Vinaigrette is a refreshing, flavor-packed dish that’s perfect for any occasion! It combines tender penne pasta, tangy feta cheese, sweet dried cranberries, and crunchy toasted walnuts with a zesty, homemade orange vinaigrette. Tossed with fresh baby spinach and red onions, this salad is light yet satisfying. Serve it as a side or enjoy it as a hearty main dish. Best of all? It’s ready in just 20 minutes!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This salad comes together in just 20 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.
- Flavor Explosion: The combination of tangy feta and sweet cranberries creates a delightful contrast that will tantalize your taste buds.
- Nutritious Ingredients: Packed with fresh veggies and healthy fats from walnuts, this salad offers great nutrition without sacrificing flavor.
- Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy it as a light lunch, a side dish at parties, or even as a main course topped with grilled chicken.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare it in advance and let the flavors meld for an even tastier experience.
Tools and Preparation
Having the right tools makes cooking easier and more enjoyable. Here are the essential tools you’ll need to prepare this delicious Feta & Cranberry Penne Salad with Orange Vinaigrette.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large pot
- Colander
- Small bowl
- Whisk
- Large mixing bowl
Importance of Each Tool
- Large pot: Ideal for boiling pasta efficiently while ensuring even cooking.
- Colander: Perfect for draining the pasta quickly without losing any precious noodles.
- Small bowl: Useful for mixing your orange vinaigrette without needing a larger space.
- Whisk: Helps achieve a smooth and well-combined dressing in no time.
Ingredients
For the Salad
- 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
For the 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
How to Make Feta & Cranberry Penne Salad with Orange Vinaigrette
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Cook the penne according to package instructions until al dente.
- Drain the pasta and rinse under cold water to cool it down. Set aside.
Step 2: Make the Orange Vinaigrette
- In a small bowl, combine the fresh orange juice, olive oil, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper.
- Whisk together until well combined.
Step 3: Assemble the Salad
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked penne pasta, crumbled feta cheese, dried cranberries, toasted walnuts, baby spinach, and thinly sliced red onion.
Step 4: Dress & Toss
- Drizzle the prepared orange vinaigrette over the salad ingredients.
- Toss gently to coat everything evenly.
Step 5: Serve & Enjoy!
- Serve immediately for best taste.
- Alternatively, refrigerate for about 15 minutes to allow flavors to meld beautifully before serving.
How to Serve Feta & Cranberry Penne Salad with Orange Vinaigrette
Serving Feta & Cranberry Penne Salad with Orange Vinaigrette is simple and versatile. This dish lends itself well to various occasions, whether you’re hosting a casual dinner or enjoying a picnic in the park.
As a Main Dish
- Pair with grilled chicken or shrimp for added protein.
- Serve it alongside crusty bread to soak up the vinaigrette.
As a Side Salad
- Complement with roasted vegetables for a delightful contrast.
- Enjoy it with BBQ dishes, as its freshness cuts through rich flavors.
For Meal Prep
- Store in an airtight container for up to three days.
- Add fresh spinach just before serving to maintain its crunch.
During Special Occasions
- Offer as part of a Mediterranean-themed spread.
- Present in individual bowls for an elegant touch at gatherings.
How to Perfect Feta & Cranberry Penne Salad with Orange Vinaigrette
To elevate your Feta & Cranberry Penne Salad with Orange Vinaigrette, consider these tips that enhance flavor and presentation.
- Use Fresh Ingredients – Choose ripe oranges and fresh spinach for the best taste.
- Toast Your Walnuts – Lightly toasting walnuts brings out their natural oils and flavor.
- Experiment with Cheese – Try adding goat cheese or ricotta for a different twist on creaminess.
- Chill Before Serving – Allowing the salad to chill for 15 minutes enhances flavor blending.
- Add Seasonal Veggies – Incorporate ingredients like bell peppers or cherry tomatoes based on availability.
- Adjust Sweetness – Taste the vinaigrette and adjust honey based on your personal preference.
Best Side Dishes for Feta & Cranberry Penne Salad with Orange Vinaigrette
Pairing side dishes with Feta & Cranberry Penne Salad can enhance your meal experience. Here are some great options:
- Grilled Vegetables – Zucchini, bell peppers, and asparagus add a smoky flavor that complements the salad.
- Garlic Bread – A classic choice; perfect for soaking up the orange vinaigrette’s flavors.
- Greek Yogurt Dip – This creamy dip pairs well with crunchy veggie sticks for added texture.
- Quinoa Pilaf – Nutty quinoa seasoned with herbs makes for a hearty addition without overpowering the main dish.
- Fruit Platter – A colorful assortment of seasonal fruits will balance the salad’s tangy components nicely.
- Stuffed Peppers – Filled with rice, beans, or meat; they provide substance while keeping a Mediterranean theme.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Cooking can be fun, but it’s easy to make mistakes. Here are some common pitfalls when preparing Feta & Cranberry Penne Salad with Orange Vinaigrette and how to avoid them.
- Overcooking the Pasta – Cooking the penne pasta longer than needed can result in a mushy texture. Always follow the package instructions and check for an al dente bite.
- Skipping the Rinsing Step – After draining the pasta, skipping the rinse can lead to sticky pasta. Rinse it under cold water to separate the noodles and cool them down.
- Not Toasting Walnuts – Toasted walnuts add depth of flavor. Make sure to toast them lightly before adding to your salad for that extra crunch.
- Ignoring Fresh Ingredients – Using wilted spinach or old onions can ruin your salad. Always opt for fresh produce for a vibrant taste and appealing presentation.
- Dressing Too Early – Adding the vinaigrette too early can make the salad soggy. Dress it right before serving or let it chill for 15 minutes to enhance flavors without compromising texture.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container.
- The salad will stay fresh for up to 3 days in the fridge.
Freezing Feta & Cranberry Penne Salad with Orange Vinaigrette
- It’s not recommended to freeze this salad as it may change the texture of the ingredients, especially the feta and spinach.
Reheating Feta & Cranberry Penne Salad with Orange Vinaigrette
- Oven – Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and reheat in a covered dish for about 10-15 minutes.
- Microwave – Heat in short intervals (30 seconds), stirring in between until warmed through.
- Stovetop – Place in a pan over low heat, stirring gently until warmed without cooking further.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about Feta & Cranberry Penne Salad with Orange Vinaigrette.
Can I use other types of pasta?
Yes! Feel free to substitute penne with fusilli, farfalle, or any pasta you prefer.
What can I add for more protein?
Consider adding grilled chicken, chickpeas, or tofu if you’re looking for a protein boost.
How do I make this salad vegan?
To make it vegan, simply omit the feta cheese or replace it with a plant-based alternative.
Can I prepare this salad ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare most of the ingredients ahead and assemble just before serving.
Final Thoughts
This Feta & Cranberry Penne Salad with Orange Vinaigrette is not only delicious but also versatile. Perfect as a side dish or a main course, it’s ready in just 20 minutes. Feel free to customize with your favorite ingredients like different nuts or seasonal veggies. Try it today!
Feta & Cranberry Penne Salad with Orange Vinaigrette
Feta & Cranberry Penne Salad with Orange Vinaigrette is a vibrant and refreshing dish that elevates any meal. This delightful salad combines tender penne pasta with tangy feta cheese, sweet dried cranberries, and crunchy toasted walnuts, all brought together by a zesty homemade orange vinaigrette. Tossed with fresh baby spinach and red onions, this salad is not only light but also incredibly satisfying. With a preparation time of just 20 minutes, it’s perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings. Serve it as a hearty main course or a flavorful side dish at your next event—this salad is sure to impress!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients
- 8 oz penne pasta
- ½ cup crumbled feta cheese
- ½ cup dried cranberries
- ¼ cup chopped toasted walnuts
- 2 cups baby spinach
- ¼ cup thinly sliced red onion
- ¼ cup fresh orange juice
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Cook penne pasta in salted boiling water until al dente; drain and rinse under cold water.
- In a small bowl, whisk together orange juice, olive oil, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper to make the vinaigrette.
- In a large bowl, combine cooked pasta, feta, cranberries, walnuts, baby spinach, and red onion.
- Drizzle with vinaigrette and toss gently to coat.
- Serve immediately or chill for about 15 minutes to enhance flavors.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (150g)
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 43g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
