Feta & Cranberry Penne Salad with Orange Vinaigrette
Feta & Cranberry Penne Salad with Orange Vinaigrette is a vibrant, refreshing dish that bursts with flavor in every bite. This delightful salad combines the tangy notes of feta cheese with the sweetness of dried cranberries, all tossed together with al dente penne pasta and fresh vegetables. Perfect for any occasion, whether you need a light lunch, side dish for a gathering, or an easy make-ahead meal. With its bright orange vinaigrette dressing, this salad not only looks stunning but is also incredibly quick to prepare—taking just 20 minutes from start to finish. Enjoy this wholesome and nutritious recipe that will surely impress your guests and satisfy your taste buds!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 4 people 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 oz penne pasta
- ½ cup crumbled feta cheese
- ½ cup dried cranberries
- ¼ cup toasted walnuts
- 2 cups baby spinach
- ¼ cup red onion
- 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 penne according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cool water.
- Whisk together fresh orange juice, olive oil, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked penne, feta cheese, cranberries, walnuts, spinach, and red onion.
- Drizzle the vinaigrette over the salad and toss gently to combine.
- Serve immediately or refrigerate for about 15 minutes to let the flavors meld before enjoying.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (approx. 200g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 390mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 10mg