Feta & Cranberry Penne Salad with Orange Vinaigrette

This Feta & Cranberry Penne Salad with Orange Vinaigrette is a delightful dish that’s perfect for any occasion! Its vibrant flavors and fresh ingredients make it an ideal choice for picnics, potlucks, or light dinners. The combination of tender penne pasta, tangy feta cheese, sweet dried cranberries, and crunchy walnuts drizzled with a zesty orange vinaigrette sets it apart from typical salads. Plus, it’s quick to prepare—ready in just 20 minutes!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: This salad comes together in just 20 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.
• Flavorful Ingredients: The mix of feta, cranberries, and orange vinaigrette creates a balance of savory and sweet that will excite your taste buds.
• Versatile Dish: Enjoy it as a side dish or add protein like grilled chicken for a satisfying main course.
• Nutritious: Packed with fresh vegetables and whole grains, this salad is both healthy and filling.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare it ahead of time and store it in the fridge. It tastes even better after the flavors meld together!

Tools and Preparation

Before you start making your Feta & Cranberry Penne Salad with Orange Vinaigrette, gather your tools. Having everything ready will streamline the process and ensure you enjoy cooking.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large pot
• Colander
• Mixing bowl
• Whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Large pot: Essential for boiling the penne pasta evenly.
• Colander: Helps drain the pasta quickly without losing any pieces.
• Mixing bowl: Ideal for combining all ingredients thoroughly.
• Whisk: Perfect for emulsifying the orange vinaigrette to achieve a smooth dressing.

Ingredients

For the Pasta 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

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Cook the penne according to package instructions until al dente.
3. Drain and rinse under cold water; set aside.

Step 2: Make the Orange Vinaigrette

1. In a small bowl, whisk together:
2. Fresh orange juice
3. Olive oil
4. Honey
5. Dijon mustard
6. Salt
7. Black pepper
   Ensure all ingredients are well combined.

Step 3: Assemble the Salad

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine:
2. The cooked penne pasta
3. Crumbled feta cheese
4. Dried cranberries
5. Chopped toasted walnuts
6. Baby spinach
7. Thinly sliced red onion

Step 4: Dress & Toss

1. Drizzle the prepared orange vinaigrette over the salad mixture.
2. Toss gently to coat all ingredients evenly.

Step 5: Serve & Enjoy!

1. Serve immediately for best flavor, or refrigerate for about 15 minutes to let the flavors meld beautifully before serving.

Enjoy your refreshing Feta & Cranberry Penne Salad with Orange Vinaigrette!

How to Serve Feta & Cranberry Penne Salad with Orange Vinaigrette

This Feta & Cranberry Penne Salad with Orange Vinaigrette is versatile and can be served in various ways. Whether you want to make it the star of your meal or a delightful side, these serving suggestions will enhance your dining experience.

As a Light Lunch

• Enjoy it chilled for a refreshing midday meal.
• Pair with whole grain bread for added fiber.

At a Potluck

• Serve in a large bowl for easy sharing.
• Garnish with extra feta and cranberries for an appealing look.

With Grilled Chicken

• Add sliced grilled chicken on top to make it a complete meal.
• Drizzle some extra vinaigrette over the chicken for flavor.

As Part of a Picnic

• Pack it in individual containers for easy transport.
• Include some fresh fruit to complement the flavors.

For Meal Prep

• Divide into portions and store in airtight containers.
• Keep the dressing separate until ready to eat to maintain freshness.

How to Perfect Feta & Cranberry Penne Salad with Orange Vinaigrette

To elevate your Feta & Cranberry Penne Salad with Orange Vinaigrette, consider these simple tips that will enhance its flavor and presentation.

• Use Fresh Ingredients – Fresh spinach and high-quality feta will make a noticeable difference in taste.
• Chill Before Serving – Letting the salad chill for about 15 minutes allows flavors to meld beautifully.
• Customize Add-Ins – Feel free to add other ingredients like cucumbers or bell peppers for extra crunch.
• Adjust Sweetness – If you prefer, reduce or increase honey in the vinaigrette to suit your taste.
• Make It Vegan – Substitute feta cheese with plant-based feta for a vegan-friendly option without losing flavor.

Best Side Dishes for Feta & Cranberry Penne Salad with Orange Vinaigrette

Pairing side dishes with your Feta & Cranberry Penne Salad can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some excellent options that complement this dish perfectly.

1. Grilled Vegetables – Zucchini, bell peppers, and eggplant add a smoky flavor and vibrant color.
2. Quinoa Bowl – A nutritious quinoa salad mixed with herbs and lemon makes a hearty addition.
3. Roasted Chickpeas – Crunchy roasted chickpeas provide protein and texture that balances the salad.
4. Caprese Skewers – Fresh mozzarella, basil, and tomatoes on skewers are easy and packed with flavor.
5. Garlic Breadsticks – Warm, buttery breadsticks are perfect for scooping up any leftover salad.
6. Fruit Salad – A light fruit salad brings sweetness and freshness that pairs wonderfully with the tangy salad.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making your Feta & Cranberry Penne Salad with Orange Vinaigrette, avoid these common pitfalls for the best results.

• Skipping the Pasta Rinse – Not rinsing cooked pasta can lead to a sticky texture. Always rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and remove excess starch.
• Overcrowding the Ingredients – Adding too many ingredients can overwhelm the salad. Stick to the recipe for a balanced flavor profile and texture.
• Using Old Ingredients – Freshness matters! Ensure your feta cheese, cranberries, and greens are fresh for optimal taste and nutrition.
• Neglecting Flavor Adjustments – Taste your vinaigrette before dressing the salad. You may need to adjust salt or sweetness to suit your palate.
• Forgetting to Toast Nuts – Skipping toasted walnuts can leave out essential flavor. Toast them lightly to enhance their nuttiness and crunch.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Keep the dressing separate until ready to serve.

Freezing Feta & Cranberry Penne Salad with Orange Vinaigrette

• It is not recommended to freeze this salad as it may change the texture of the ingredients.
• Fresh components like spinach do not freeze well.

Reheating Feta & Cranberry Penne Salad with Orange Vinaigrette

• Oven – Preheat to 350°F (175°C), cover with foil, and heat for about 10 minutes.
• Microwave – Use a microwave-safe dish, cover loosely, and heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes until warmed through.
• Stovetop – In a pan over low heat, warm gently while stirring until heated.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions regarding the Feta & Cranberry Penne Salad with Orange Vinaigrette.

Can I make Feta & Cranberry Penne Salad ahead of time?

You can prepare this salad up to a day in advance. Store it in the refrigerator without dressing until you’re ready to serve.

What can I substitute for feta cheese?

If you prefer a dairy-free option, try using vegan feta alternatives or omit cheese entirely while adding additional nuts or seeds for richness.

How do I customize my Feta & Cranberry Penne Salad?

Feel free to add other ingredients like grilled chicken, bell peppers, or avocado for added protein and flavor.

Is this salad suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! This salad is great for meal prep. Just store components separately and combine them when ready to eat.

Final Thoughts

The Feta & Cranberry Penne Salad with Orange Vinaigrette is not only delicious but also versatile. Perfect as a side or main dish, it’s quick to prepare and ideal for any occasion. Don’t hesitate to customize it with your favorite ingredients!