Feta & Cranberry Penne Salad with Orange Vinaigrette Recipe

The Feta & Cranberry Penne Salad with Orange Vinaigrette is the kind of salad that turns any regular day into an occasion. Imagine vibrant penne pasta tossed with tart cranberries, creamy feta, leafy spinach, and a tangy-sweet orange vinaigrette—as pretty to look at as it is irresistible to eat. This dish combines crunchy, chewy, and creamy textures with a burst of citrus that keeps every bite refreshing. Whether you need something special for a picnic, a holiday buffet, or a quick weeknight meal, you’ll fall in love with the lively colors and unexpected flavors of this Feta & Cranberry Penne Salad with Orange Vinaigrette.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this salad works double-duty, adding not just flavor, but color, crunch, or creaminess. The best part? You probably have most of these kitchen staples already on hand, and a few fresh touches really make the dish sing.

• Penne pasta (12 oz): Use classic penne for perfect bite-sized pieces that hold the vinaigrette beautifully.
• Dried cranberries (½ cup): Their sweet-tart pop pairs perfectly with the creaminess of feta and adds gorgeous color.
• Crumbled feta cheese (¾ cup): Bright, salty feta softens and melts just a bit into the salad, making it rich and irresistible.
• Chopped baby spinach (½ cup): Toss in chopped spinach for a fresh, slightly earthy flavor and extra greens.
• Thinly sliced red onion (¼ cup): Red onion delivers a mild bite and a lovely crunch that balances the other flavors.
• Chopped walnuts or pecans, optional (¼ cup): For crunch and nutty depth—pecans will be a bit sweeter, walnuts a touch more earthy.
• Chopped fresh parsley, optional (1 tbsp): Sprinkle on parsley for a burst of herbal freshness and a pop of green right before serving.
• Olive oil (¼ cup): Essential for the vinaigrette; it ties all the dressing ingredients together with richness.
• Orange juice (¼ cup): Brings a zesty, sweet citrus note that lifts up the whole salad.
• Honey or maple syrup (1 tbsp): Either option delivers a subtle sweetness that beautifully rounds out the dressing.
• White wine vinegar (1 tbsp): Adds brightness and just enough tang to balance the vinaigrette.
• Dijon mustard (1 tsp): For a gentle kick and to help emulsify the vinaigrette nicely.
• Salt (¼ tsp): Don’t skip—it makes all the other flavors pop.
• Black pepper (⅛ tsp): Just a little bit for warmth and balance.

How to Make Feta & Cranberry Penne Salad with Orange Vinaigrette

Step 1: Cook and Cool the Penne

Start by cooking your penne pasta according to the package directions, aiming for that perfect al dente chew. Once cooked, drain it and rinse under cold water. The rinse is key here; it stops the cooking process and cools the pasta so your feta stays creamy, not melty. Shake off any excess water since a soggy salad is no one’s friend!

Step 2: Prepare the Salad Base

Grab your biggest mixing bowl and combine the cooled penne with dried cranberries, crumbled feta, chopped spinach, red onion, and the nuts if you’re going for the extra crunch. If you want a lighter hand, you can sprinkle the nuts on top just before serving—either way, they add great texture and flavor. Give everything a gentle toss to distribute the color and goodies evenly.

Step 3: Whisk Up the Orange Vinaigrette

In a small bowl or a jar with a tight-fitting lid, combine the olive oil, orange juice, honey (or maple syrup), white wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper. Whisk or shake it up until the dressing is smooth and slightly thickened. The citrusy brightness and subtle sweetness are truly what set this Feta & Cranberry Penne Salad with Orange Vinaigrette apart.

Step 4: Toss and Dress the Salad

Pour the orange vinaigrette over the pasta mixture. Toss gently but thoroughly, making sure every piece of pasta gets coated in that golden, citrusy dressing. The combination of flavors will instantly come together, and you’ll notice how the cranberries, feta, and greens soak up the fresh orange notes.

Step 5: Garnish and Chill

If you’re feeling fancy, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the top—this not only looks beautiful but also adds herbal brightness. For the best flavor, cover your bowl and chill the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving. The rest time lets the flavors meld, and the pasta absorbs all the delicious dressing.

How to Serve Feta & Cranberry Penne Salad with Orange Vinaigrette

Garnishes

A final flourish always makes a salad feel special. Try scattering a few extra crumbles of feta, a sprinkle of chopped nuts, and a handful of fresh parsley right before serving. If you’re aiming for color, a few extra dried cranberries on top make your Feta & Cranberry Penne Salad with Orange Vinaigrette look truly festive and irresistible.

Side Dishes

This pasta salad is super versatile and pairs beautifully with so many mains. It’s perfect with grilled chicken, seared salmon, or as part of a picnic spread with wraps and crackers. For a vegetarian feast, serve alongside stuffed peppers, hummus, or roasted veggies. Its sweet and tangy profile means it balances out other savory dishes effortlessly.

Creative Ways to Present

You can serve this salad in a big, beautiful bowl for family-style dining, or scoop it into mason jars for individual, picnic-ready portions. It’s also lovely arranged on a platter over a bed of arugula, so each forkful gets a peppery bite. For parties, try serving mini portions in elegant glasses for an appetizer that wows your guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

You can absolutely make Feta & Cranberry Penne Salad with Orange Vinaigrette ahead of time—the flavors get even better after a rest in the fridge. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days. If the pasta soaks up some of the vinaigrette, just toss with a quick drizzle of fresh orange juice or olive oil before serving.

Freezing

While Feta & Cranberry Penne Salad with Orange Vinaigrette is best enjoyed fresh, freezing is not recommended. The fresh spinach, onions, and creamy feta become watery and lose their appealing texture when thawed. For a make-ahead meal, prepare all the ingredients separately and assemble once you’re ready to serve.

Reheating

Unlike hot pasta dishes, this salad is designed to be served chilled or at room temperature. If it’s been in the fridge, let it sit out for 10-15 minutes before serving to take the chill off and bring out the full flavors. There’s no need to reheat—just fluff with a fork and it’s ready to enjoy!

FAQs

Can I make this salad gluten-free?

Absolutely! Simply use your favorite gluten-free penne pasta. Just make sure to cook according to package instructions, since gluten-free pastas sometimes need a slightly shorter or longer cook time. The rest of the Feta & Cranberry Penne Salad with Orange Vinaigrette ingredients are naturally gluten-free.

What protein can I add to make it a main dish?

Grilled chicken, cooked shrimp, or even chickpeas make wonderful protein additions. Each one turns this into a hearty meal while keeping the bright, fresh flavors intact. For extra convenience, rotisserie chicken or canned chickpeas both work well.

What if I don’t have fresh orange juice for the vinaigrette?

Bottled orange juice is a fine substitute, especially if it’s not from concentrate. Add a tiny squeeze of lemon if you want a little more tartness, or stick with just the OJ for that sunny citrus flavor. The key to the Feta & Cranberry Penne Salad with Orange Vinaigrette is keeping the dressing vibrant and balanced.

Is there a nut-free alternative?

Of course! Simply leave out the nuts if you’re avoiding them—your salad will still be full of flavor and texture from the cranberries, feta, and veggies. If you like, add a few roasted sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds for crunch instead.

Can I use a different pasta shape?

Yes, you can swap the penne for any short pasta shape you love—try rotini, farfalle, or shells. Just be sure the pasta you pick has enough surface area to hold onto the orange vinaigrette and little nooks for the feta and cranberries to tuck into.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve been searching for a pasta salad that feels both special and effortless, the Feta & Cranberry Penne Salad with Orange Vinaigrette truly hits the sweet spot. It’s cheerful, full of flavor, and endlessly versatile. Try it for your next gathering, and don’t be surprised when everyone asks for the recipe!

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