If you’re on the hunt for a salad that’s bursting with vibrant flavors, easy to throw together, and perfect for any occasion, you have got to try this Feta & Cranberry Penne Salad with Orange Vinaigrette Recipe. It’s a delightful mix of creamy feta, sweet cranberries, and zesty orange vinaigrette all tossed with tender penne pasta. This dish brings a perfect balance of tang, sweetness, and freshness that will make it your go-to salad for potlucks, picnics, or a simple weeknight dinner that feels special.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of the Feta & Cranberry Penne Salad with Orange Vinaigrette Recipe lies in its straightforward yet thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Each one adds a unique layer — from the hearty pasta to the crunchy nuts and the tangy dressing — combining to create a salad that’s anything but ordinary.
- 2 cups penne pasta: The perfect pasta shape to catch the dressing and hold the mix-ins beautifully.
- 1 cup feta cheese, crumbled: Adds a creamy, salty kick that complements the sweet cranberries.
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries: For bursts of tart sweetness that brighten every bite.
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved: Juicy and fresh, giving color and acidity.
- 1/3 cup red onion, thinly sliced: Adds a mild sharpness and crunch for contrast.
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped: Brings a fresh herbal note for balance.
- 1/4 cup walnuts, chopped (optional): Adds satisfying crunch and richness.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning and enhancing all the flavors.
- For the Orange Vinaigrette:
- 1/4 cup fresh orange juice: The star ingredient that gives the dressing a bright, citrusy sweetness.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Provides smoothness and body to the vinaigrette.
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar: Adds tang and a hint of sharpness.
- 1 teaspoon honey: Balances the acidity with a touch of natural sweetness.
- Salt and pepper to taste: To perfectly round out the dressing’s flavor.
How to Make Feta & Cranberry Penne Salad with Orange Vinaigrette Recipe
Step 1: Cook and Chill the Pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook your penne pasta until it’s al dente — tender but with a slight bite. This texture is so important because it holds up wonderfully when tossed with the other ingredients and the dressing. Once cooked, drain the pasta and immediately rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it down quickly. Set it aside while you prepare the rest.
Step 2: Whisk Together the Orange Vinaigrette
Next, in a small bowl, combine fresh orange juice, olive oil, red wine vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper. Whisk these ingredients together until the vinaigrette is smooth and slightly thickened. The fresh orange juice gives this dressing a bright and uplifting flavor that truly makes this dish sing.
Step 3: Assemble the Salad Ingredients
In a large bowl, bring in the stars of your Feta & Cranberry Penne Salad with Orange Vinaigrette Recipe — cooled penne pasta, creamy crumbled feta, sweet dried cranberries, juicy cherry tomatoes, thinly sliced red onions, and fragrant chopped parsley. If you love a little nutty crunch, toss in some chopped walnuts for extra texture and flavor.
Step 4: Toss with the Vinaigrette
Pour your freshly whisked orange vinaigrette over the assembled salad ingredients. Gently toss everything together, making sure every bite is evenly coated with that gorgeous dressing. This step brings all the flavors together and helps the feta, cranberries, and vegetables meld with the tangy citrus notes.
Step 5: Season, Chill, and Serve
Give your salad a taste test and add salt and pepper as needed to ensure every flavor shines. Once seasoned perfectly, cover the salad and refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes. This chilling time is crucial because it lets the flavors marry wonderfully, making each bite even more delicious.
Step 6: Ready to Enjoy
After chilling, your Feta & Cranberry Penne Salad with Orange Vinaigrette Recipe is ready to be enjoyed cold or at room temperature. It’s a refreshing and satisfying dish that’s sure to impress.
How to Serve Feta & Cranberry Penne Salad with Orange Vinaigrette Recipe
Garnishes
If you want to add a little extra flair to your salad, sprinkle some fresh parsley or a few extra crumbles of feta on top before serving. A handful of toasted walnut pieces or even some thin orange zest curls can add elegance and texture — perfect for guests or a special weekday lunch.
Side Dishes
This salad pairs beautifully with grilled chicken or fish for a complete and light meal. It’s also fantastic alongside a crusty loaf of bread or as part of a summer picnic spread with other fresh salads and dips. The bright orange vinaigrette flavor complements a variety of mains effortlessly.
Creative Ways to Present
For a stunning presentation, serve the salad in a large glass bowl so the vibrant colors of the cranberries, tomatoes, and parsley truly pop. You can also plate it in individual mason jars for portable lunches or party favors. Another fun idea is to stuff it inside hollowed-out bell peppers for a unique, colorful, and visually irresistible dish.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once prepared, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The salad will keep well for up to 3 days, but keep in mind that the pasta may absorb more vinaigrette over time, intensifying the flavors. Be sure to give it a fresh toss before serving again.
Freezing
This salad is best enjoyed fresh and chilled rather than frozen. The texture of the pasta and fresh ingredients may change when frozen, so it’s not recommended to freeze the Feta & Cranberry Penne Salad with Orange Vinaigrette Recipe.
Reheating
Since this is a cold salad, reheating isn’t necessary or recommended. However, if you prefer it at room temperature, simply let it sit out of the fridge for about 15-20 minutes before serving.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While penne is perfect for holding onto the orange vinaigrette and mix-ins, other short pasta shapes like rotini or farfalle will also work wonderfully in this salad.
Is there a substitute for dried cranberries?
If you want to switch things up, dried cherries or golden raisins can be great alternatives. They’ll provide a similar sweetness and chewiness to complement the feta and vinaigrette.
Can I make the orange vinaigrette in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the vinaigrette up to a day ahead and store it in the refrigerator. Just whisk it again before tossing with the salad to ensure it’s emulsified perfectly.
How can I make this salad vegan?
To make it vegan, simply omit the feta cheese or use a plant-based feta alternative. You can also ensure the honey in the vinaigrette is replaced with maple syrup or agave nectar.
Is this salad good for meal prep?
Definitely! This salad stores nicely and the flavors deepen after some time, making it a fantastic choice for meal prep lunches or quick grab-and-go dinners throughout the week.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something magical about the Feta & Cranberry Penne Salad with Orange Vinaigrette Recipe that keeps me coming back for more. It’s bright, fresh, and delightfully easy to prepare — a real showstopper that will brighten up your meals and bring smiles to your table. If you haven’t tried it yet, do yourself a favor and whip it up soon; I promise it will become one of your favorite salad recipes ever.
Print
Feta & Cranberry Penne Salad with Orange Vinaigrette Recipe
- Prep Time: 0h 15m
- Cook Time: 0h 10m
- Total Time: 0h 55m
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A refreshing and vibrant Feta & Cranberry Penne Salad tossed with an enticing orange vinaigrette. This salad combines the creaminess of feta cheese, the sweetness of dried cranberries, and the zesty brightness of fresh orange juice dressing. Perfect as a light main dish or a flavorful side at any gathering.
Ingredients
Salad Ingredients
- 2 cups penne pasta
- 1 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/3 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup walnuts, chopped (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Orange Vinaigrette
- 1/4 cup fresh orange juice
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon honey
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Begin by cooking the penne pasta according to the package instructions in a large pot of salted boiling water. Once al dente, drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside to cool completely.
- Prepare the Orange Vinaigrette: While the pasta is cooking, in a small mixing bowl, combine the fresh orange juice, olive oil, red wine vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper. Whisk together until well emulsified and set aside.
- Combine Salad Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the cooled penne pasta, crumbled feta cheese, dried cranberries, halved cherry tomatoes, sliced red onion, and chopped fresh parsley. If using walnuts, add them as well.
- Toss with Dressing: Pour the orange vinaigrette over the pasta salad mixture. Gently toss everything together until all the ingredients are well coated with the dressing.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste the salad and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- Chill the Salad: Cover the salad with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
- Serve: Serve chilled or at room temperature as a delightful side dish or a light main course.
Notes
- For a nut-free version, omit the walnuts.
- Use gluten-free pasta to make the salad gluten-free.
- The salad can be prepared a few hours in advance and kept refrigerated for up to 24 hours.
- Adjust the sweetness of the dressing by adding more or less honey according to your preference.
- Feel free to add other fresh herbs like basil or mint for extra freshness.
