Feta & Cranberry Penne Salad with Orange Vinaigrette Recipe
If you’re looking for a salad that truly dazzles the senses and brightens up any mealtime, the Feta & Cranberry Penne Salad with Orange Vinaigrette Recipe is exactly the dish to make. This vibrant pasta salad combines the creamy tang of feta, the sweet chewiness of dried cranberries, and the crisp bite of red onion, all brought together by a zesty, homemade orange vinaigrette. It’s a celebration of textures and flavors that feels luxuriously fresh yet surprisingly simple to prepare. Perfect for everything from casual lunches to festive gatherings, this salad is guaranteed to become a beloved staple in your recipe repertoire.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering your ingredients is a joy with this recipe because each one has a clear role in building the perfect balance of taste, texture, and color. From the hearty penne pasta providing substance, to the delicate freshness of parsley, every component is essential.
- 12 oz penne pasta: This sturdy pasta holds the dressing beautifully without getting soggy.
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese: Adds a creamy, salty tang that complements the sweet cranberries.
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries: Brings a delightful chewiness and natural sweetness to the mix.
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped: Offers a sharp, crisp bite to contrast the salad’s softness.
- 1/4 cup toasted pecans or walnuts (optional): Adds an irresistible crunch and nutty depth.
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped: Infuses freshness and a pop of green color.
- 1/4 cup fresh orange juice: The heart of the vinaigrette, giving bright citrus notes with natural sweetness.
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil: Ensures a smooth, rich dressing that coats every ingredient evenly.
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar: Provides a subtle tang to balance the sweetness of orange juice and cranberries.
- 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup: Just the right touch of sweetness to round out the dressing.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for bringing all flavors together in harmony.
How to Make Feta & Cranberry Penne Salad with Orange Vinaigrette Recipe
Step 1: Cook and Cool the Penne Pasta
Start by cooking the penne according to the package instructions until just al dente. The key here is to drain it and rinse under cold water right away to stop the cooking process and cool the pasta, which helps maintain the salad’s perfect bite and prevents it from sticking together.
Step 2: Combine the Salad Ingredients
Next, toss the cooled penne with crumbled feta cheese, dried cranberries, finely chopped red onion, and toasted nuts if you choose to include them. This mix delivers an exciting harmony of creamy, tart, crunchy, and sweet flavors that truly makes the salad shine.
Step 3: Whisk the Orange Vinaigrette
In a separate small bowl, whisk fresh orange juice, extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, and honey or maple syrup together along with a pinch of salt and pepper. This vinaigrette is the magic element, offering a bright, zesty punch that perfectly ties the salad components together.
Step 4: Dress and Toss the Salad
Pour the orange vinaigrette over the pasta mixture and toss gently to ensure every piece has a luscious coating of dressing. Be gentle to keep the salad looking vibrant and prevent breaking up the feta too much.
Step 5: Add Finishing Touches and Serve
Finish by scattering fresh chopped parsley over the salad. It adds a lovely, fresh note and a burst of green that makes the dish even more inviting. Serve the salad chilled or at room temperature—both ways work beautifully!
How to Serve Feta & Cranberry Penne Salad with Orange Vinaigrette Recipe
Garnishes
Before serving, sprinkle a few extra crumbled feta pieces and some additional toasted nuts on top for added texture and visual appeal. A few delicate parsley leaves or fresh orange zest also make fantastic garnishes, elevating the salad’s brightness and presentation.
Side Dishes
This salad pairs wonderfully with a wide array of dishes. Try it alongside grilled chicken or fish for a light but satisfying meal. It also works beautifully as a refreshing side for barbecues or picnics. The combination of savory, sweet, and citrusy flavors complements both simple and rich mains effortlessly.
Creative Ways to Present
For a charming twist, serve the Feta & Cranberry Penne Salad with Orange Vinaigrette Recipe in individual glass jars layered with fresh greens or atop a bed of arugula. You can even stuff it inside pita pockets or wraps for a portable, tasty lunch option that’s bound to impress.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh and flavorful for up to 3 days. Just give it a gentle stir before serving again to redistribute the dressing and revive its texture.
Freezing
This salad is best enjoyed fresh and does not freeze well because the pasta and fresh ingredients can become mushy upon thawing. It’s better to prepare the pasta and dressing separately if freezing components for meal prep.
Reheating
Since this is a cold pasta salad, reheating is not necessary or recommended. However, if you prefer it a little warmer, let it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes to take the chill off before serving.
FAQs
Can I use another type of pasta for this salad?
Absolutely! While penne holds the dressing well, other shapes like rotini, farfalle, or shells can be great alternatives depending on what you have handy.
Is there a substitute for feta cheese?
You can use goat cheese or ricotta salata for a similar creamy and tangy flavor, or even a mild shredded mozzarella if you prefer less saltiness.
Can I make this salad vegan?
Yes! Simply omit the feta cheese or use a plant-based cheese substitute, and replace honey with maple syrup in the vinaigrette to keep it vegan-friendly.
How long does it take to prepare this salad?
This salad is wonderfully quick, taking about 20 minutes total from start to finish, making it perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.
Can I add other fruits or nuts to this recipe?
Definitely! Chopped apples, pears, or even toasted almonds and pistachios can add exciting new layers of flavor and texture to this versatile salad.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re a seasoned salad lover or just looking for something refreshing and different, the Feta & Cranberry Penne Salad with Orange Vinaigrette Recipe offers a delightful bursting flavor combination that’s easy to toss together and enjoy any time. Give it a try—you’re going to love how it lifts your meal in the most delicious way!
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Feta & Cranberry Penne Salad with Orange Vinaigrette Recipe
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A refreshing and vibrant Feta & Cranberry Penne Salad tossed with a zesty orange vinaigrette. This easy-to-make pasta salad combines creamy feta, sweet dried cranberries, crunchy nuts, and fresh herbs for a perfect light lunch or side dish, 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: Cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain well and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool the pasta.
- Combine Salad Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix together the cooled pasta, crumbled feta cheese, dried cranberries, finely chopped red onion, and toasted nuts if using, ensuring an even distribution of flavors and textures.
- Prepare the Orange Vinaigrette: In a small bowl, whisk fresh orange juice, extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, honey (or maple syrup), salt, and pepper until the mixture is smooth and emulsified.
- Toss the Salad: Pour the orange vinaigrette over the pasta mixture and toss gently but thoroughly to coat all ingredients evenly with the dressing.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the salad for a bright, fresh finish. Serve the salad chilled or at room temperature as a light meal or a side dish.
Notes
- To toast nuts, heat them in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-5 minutes until fragrant and lightly browned.
- This salad can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days; toss again before serving to redistribute dressing.
- For a vegan version, substitute feta cheese with a vegan cheese alternative and use maple syrup instead of honey.
- If fresh orange juice is not available, substitute with high-quality bottled juice, but fresh is preferred for best flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
