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If you’re looking for a salad that bursts with vibrant flavors, textures, and colors all in one bowl, you absolutely have to try this Feta & Cranberry Penne Salad with Orange Vinaigrette Recipe. It’s the perfect balance of sweet and tangy, creamy and crunchy, and fresh and comforting, all tied together by a bright and zesty orange vinaigrette that lifts every bite. Whether you want a light lunch, a stunning side dish for your dinner, or something to impress guests at your next gathering, this recipe delivers all the joy and simplicity you crave.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every great salad starts with fantastic ingredients, and this Feta & Cranberry Penne Salad with Orange Vinaigrette Recipe is no exception. Simple yet carefully chosen, each element adds a unique flavor, texture, or pop of color to make this dish feel truly special.
- 8 oz penne pasta: The perfect pasta shape to hold onto the dressing and capture all the bits of flavor in every bite.
- ½ cup feta cheese, crumbled: Adds a creamy and salty richness that contrasts beautifully with the sweetness of the cranberries.
- ½ cup dried cranberries: For that sweet-tart chewiness that livens up the whole salad.
- ¼ cup toasted walnuts, chopped: Gives a satisfying crunch and a toasty depth of flavor.
- 2 cups baby spinach: Fresh and tender greens that bring a mild earthiness and vibrant green color.
- ¼ cup red onion, thinly sliced: Adds a sharp, slightly spicy bite that cuts through the creaminess of the cheese.
- ¼ cup fresh orange juice: The star of the vinaigrette, bringing bright citrus notes and natural sweetness.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Balances the vinaigrette and adds a smooth, fruity richness.
- 1 tablespoon honey: A touch of natural sweetness that harmonizes the tang and spice of the dressing.
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard: Adds subtle heat and helps emulsify the dressing.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors throughout the salad.
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper: A gentle kick to round out the dressing’s taste.
How to Make Feta & Cranberry Penne Salad with Orange Vinaigrette Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Adding salt to the water is key because it flavors the pasta from within. Cook the penne according to the package instructions until perfectly al dente – you want it firm but tender. Once done, drain the pasta and immediately rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it down, which helps keep that ideal texture for salad.
Step 2: Make the Orange Vinaigrette
Whisk together the fresh orange juice, olive oil, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl. This simple vinaigrette is the magic behind the salad’s bright, refreshing profile. The orange juice provides vibrant citrus notes that marry the sweet and savory ingredients, while the honey rounds it out with balanced natural sweetness. Whisk until it becomes smooth and slightly thickened, ensuring the flavors really meld together beautifully.
Step 3: Assemble the Salad
Grab a large mixing bowl and combine the cooled penne pasta with crumbled feta cheese, dried cranberries, toasted walnuts, baby spinach, and thinly sliced red onion. This is where the salad really starts to come alive — visually stunning and packed with different textures and flavors that beg to be tasted. Toss gently so all the ingredients are evenly distributed, making sure each forkful will be a delightful mix.
Step 4: Dress & Toss
Drizzle the freshly prepared orange vinaigrette over the salad. Take your time to toss everything gently but thoroughly, coating each ingredient with that gorgeous, fruity dressing. This step is crucial for melding all the flavors together while ensuring the salad is bright, glossy, and inviting rather than soggy. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed – adding a bit more salt or pepper can really make the salad pop!
How to Serve Feta & Cranberry Penne Salad with Orange Vinaigrette Recipe
Garnishes
For extra flair, consider sprinkling some additional chopped walnuts or freshly cracked black pepper on top just before serving. A few small orange zest curls add a lovely aromatic touch that ties back into the vinaigrette, making this dish look and smell irresistible.
Side Dishes
This salad pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken, roasted vegetables, or even a crusty artisan bread. Since it’s light yet flavorful, it’s an excellent side that complements both casual and elegant meals without stealing the spotlight.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive touch, serve this salad in individual mason jars or clear bowls so the beautiful colors shine through. You can also toss the salad with fresh herbs like mint or basil for a fresh herbaceous twist, or add a sprinkle of pomegranate seeds for a jewel-like pop. These simple touches elevate the presentation and flavor, perfect for impressing friends or brightening up your own day.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This salad is best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Keep the dressing separate if possible to prevent the pasta from getting too soft. When ready to eat, toss everything back together and enjoy the refreshed zest of your Feta & Cranberry Penne Salad with Orange Vinaigrette Recipe.
Freezing
Since this salad features fresh greens and vinaigrette, freezing is not recommended as it can alter the texture and flavors drastically. The fresh spinach will wilt and the dressing may separate when thawed.
Reheating
This dish is intended to be served cold or at room temperature, so reheating is unnecessary and may compromise the crisp textures and vibrant flavors. If you prefer it slightly warm, you can gently warm the pasta alone before mixing with the other ingredients and salads, but avoid heating the spinach or dressing components.
FAQs
Can I substitute the penne pasta for another type?
Absolutely! Any pasta shape that holds dressing well, such as fusilli or rotini, works great. Just keep the cooking time consistent for al dente texture.
What can I use instead of walnuts if I have a nut allergy?
Sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds toasted lightly offer a similar crunch and nutty flavor without the allergens. You could also omit nuts altogether without compromising the overall taste.
Can I make the orange vinaigrette ahead of time?
Yes, the dressing can be made a day ahead and stored in the fridge. Just whisk again before using to recombine any separated ingredients for best flavor.
Is it okay to use bottled orange juice?
Fresh orange juice brightens this salad beautifully, but bottled juice can be used in a pinch. Just choose one with no added sugars or preservatives to keep the flavor fresh and clean.
How long does this salad keep well once dressed?
Once dressed, the salad is best eaten within 12 hours. Beyond that, the pasta will begin to soften and the greens may wilt, so aim for freshness to fully enjoy the crisp textures.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Feta & Cranberry Penne Salad with Orange Vinaigrette Recipe enough — it is simply bursting with flavor, freshness, and that perfect balance of textures. Whether for a quick lunch, a picnic, or a side at dinner, it’s guaranteed to bring smiles and compliments. Give it a try soon and watch how this vibrant salad becomes a fast favorite in your recipe collection!
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Feta & Cranberry Penne Salad with Orange Vinaigrette Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A refreshing and vibrant feta & cranberry penne salad tossed with baby spinach, toasted walnuts, and a zesty orange vinaigrette. This easy-to-make pasta salad combines sweet, savory, and tangy flavors, perfect for a light lunch or a side dish at gatherings.
Ingredients
Pasta & Cheese
- 8 oz penne pasta
- ½ cup feta cheese, crumbled
Fruits, Nuts & Vegetables
- ½ cup dried cranberries
- ¼ cup toasted walnuts, chopped
- 2 cups baby spinach
- ¼ cup red onion, thinly sliced
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
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook 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. Set aside.
- Make the Orange Vinaigrette: In a small bowl, whisk together the fresh orange juice, olive oil, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper until the dressing is smooth and well combined.
- Assemble the Salad: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked and cooled pasta with crumbled feta cheese, dried cranberries, chopped toasted walnuts, fresh baby spinach, and thinly sliced red onion to create a colorful mix.
- Dress & Toss: Pour the orange vinaigrette over the assembled salad. Gently toss all ingredients together to ensure the pasta and vegetables are evenly coated with the flavorful dressing. Serve immediately or chilled.
Notes
- Toast the walnuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-5 minutes to enhance their flavor before chopping.
- For a vegan version, substitute feta with a plant-based cheese and replace honey with maple syrup.
- Make sure to rinse the pasta with cold water after cooking to keep the salad from becoming mushy.
- This salad can be prepared a few hours ahead and refrigerated, but add the spinach fresh before serving for the best texture.
