Feta & Cranberry Penne Salad with Orange Vinaigrette

Make Feta & Cranberry Penne Salad

A fresh and easy dish

Great for any meal

This Feta & Cranberry Penne Salad is a vibrant and inviting addition to any table. As an easy pasta salad recipe, it stands out with its delightful combination of textures and flavors. Imagine tender penne pasta, crumbled salty feta cheese, and bursts of sweet, chewy dried cranberries, all brought together by a bright, homemade orange vinaigrette. This cranberry feta salad truly shines as a healthy penne salad option, packed with fresh ingredients that are both satisfying and light. Whether you’re seeking a refreshing side dish for a barbecue, a straightforward quick lunch idea, or a simple dinner solution after a busy day, this vegetarian pasta dish fits the bill perfectly. It’s especially wonderful as a summer salad recipe, providing a cool and flavorful respite from the heat. Its straightforward preparation makes it accessible for even novice cooks, proving that delicious, wholesome meals don’t have to be complicated. We encourage you to try this delightful creation and discover a new favorite.

Ingredients for Your Penne Salad

What you will need

To create this flavorful Feta & Cranberry Penne Salad, you’ll need a selection of fresh and pantry staples.

• For the Salad:
  • 12 ounces penne pasta, uncooked
  • 4 ounces crumbled feta cheese
  • 1 cup dried cranberries
  • 1/2 cup chopped red onion, finely diced
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1/4 cup toasted walnuts or pecans (optional, for crunch)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• For the Orange Vinaigrette Dressing:
  • 1/4 cup fresh orange juice (from about 1 orange)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
  • 1 small garlic clove, minced
  • Pinch of salt
  • Pinch of black pepper

Gathering these fresh salad ingredients is the first step towards a truly memorable meal. The quality of each component, especially the produce and cheese, will significantly impact the final taste of your penne salad. Choosing plump, moist cranberries and a good quality feta will make all the difference, enhancing the overall vegetarian pasta dish experience.

Crafting the Orange Vinaigrette Dressing

Simple whisking steps

The homemade orange vinaigrette is what truly makes this Feta & Cranberry Penne Salad sing. Its bright, citrusy notes cut through the richness of the feta and complement the sweetness of the cranberries beautifully. Making your own dressing allows for control over the ingredients, ensuring a fresh and vibrant flavor without any artificial additives.

Creating this delicious orange vinaigrette dressing is incredibly straightforward. In a small bowl, combine the fresh orange juice, olive oil, apple cider vinegar (or white wine vinegar), Dijon mustard, honey or maple syrup, and minced garlic clove. Use a whisk to vigorously combine all the ingredients until the dressing is emulsified, meaning it becomes slightly thickened and cohesive. Season the dressing with a pinch of salt and black pepper to taste. You might want to adjust the sweetness or acidity based on your preference; a little more honey can balance tartness, while a splash more vinegar can add extra zest. Once prepared, set the dressing aside. This allows the flavors to meld, creating a more harmonious blend that will perfectly coat your cranberry feta salad. For an extra punch of flavor, consider adding a tiny bit of orange zest to the dressing.

Cooking Penne Pasta Al Dente

Perfect pasta every time

Achieving the perfect texture for your pasta is crucial for any pasta salad, especially for this Feta & Cranberry Penne Salad. Overcooked pasta becomes mushy and loses its structural integrity, which is not ideal for holding up to dressing and other ingredients. Cooking penne pasta al dente ensures that each piece retains a slight bite, providing a satisfying mouthfeel in every forkful.

To cook your penne pasta al dente, bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Adding salt to the water is not just for flavor; it also helps season the pasta from the inside out. Once the water is boiling rapidly, add the penne pasta. Stir occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking together. Follow the package instructions for cooking time, but typically, penne will take about 10-12 minutes. Start tasting a minute or two before the suggested time. The pasta should be firm to the bite but not hard or chalky in the center. This specific texture is what “al dente” means. For more pasta cooking tips, consider exploring resources like Wikipedia’s page on Penne.

How to cool pasta

Once your pasta is cooked to perfection, immediate cooling is key to stopping the cooking process and preventing it from becoming sticky. Drain the pasta thoroughly in a colander. Rinse the cooked penne under cold running water for 1-2 minutes, tossing it gently. This rapid cooling washes away excess starch, which can cause stickiness, and brings the pasta down to a temperature suitable for a cold salad. After rinsing, ensure the pasta is very well drained. You can even spread it out on a baking sheet lined with paper towels for a few minutes to remove any residual water. This step is vital for preventing a watery dressing and ensuring that your easy pasta salad recipe maintains its intended consistency. Properly cooled pasta will integrate beautifully with the other fresh salad ingredients, creating a balanced and delightful dish.

Combine Feta & Cranberry Penne Salad Ingredients

Mixing all components

With your penne pasta perfectly cooked and cooled, and your orange vinaigrette dressing ready, it’s time to bring all the components of your Feta & Cranberry Penne Salad together. This step is where the magic truly happens, as the individual ingredients begin to harmonize into a cohesive and flavorful dish.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled penne pasta, crumbled feta cheese, and dried cranberries. Add the finely diced red onion and chopped fresh parsley. If you’re including the optional toasted walnuts or pecans for extra crunch, now is the time to add them. Use a large spoon or spatula to gently toss these fresh salad ingredients together. The goal is to distribute everything evenly without mashing the feta or breaking the penne. Ensuring that each spoonful offers a balanced mix of flavors and textures is paramount to enjoying this healthy penne salad. Remember, the visual appeal is also part of the enjoyment, so aim for an aesthetically pleasing distribution of colors. For another delightful salad idea, try a Beet Salad with Feta, which also celebrates the wonderful combination of sweet and savory elements.

Dress and Toss Your Penne Salad

Evenly coat everything

The dressing stage is critical to infusing every bite of your Feta & Cranberry Penne Salad with the vibrant flavors of the orange vinaigrette. Proper dressing ensures that the salad is moist, flavorful, and cohesive, rather than dry or unevenly seasoned.

Once all the solid ingredients are combined in your large bowl, it’s time to introduce the homemade orange vinaigrette. Pour about two-thirds of the dressing over the penne salad mixture. Begin to gently toss the salad, using a large spoon and spatula, to ensure that the dressing evenly coats all the components. The pasta, feta, cranberries, and vegetables should all receive a generous coating of the zesty dressing. After the initial toss, taste a small portion of the salad. You can then add more dressing, a tablespoon at a time, until it reaches your desired level of flavor and moisture. Some people prefer a lightly dressed salad, while others enjoy a more robustly flavored one. Be careful not to overdress, as this can make the salad soggy. Season the salad with additional salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste, adjusting until it’s just right. This careful dressing process ensures that your easy pasta salad recipe is perfectly balanced and ready to impress.

Serving Feta & Cranberry Penne Salad

Simple serving ideas

This Feta & Cranberry Penne Salad is remarkably versatile, making it suitable for a wide range of mealtime scenarios. Its vibrant flavors and appealing textures make it a crowd-pleaser, whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply enjoying a quiet meal at home.

The beauty of this vegetarian pasta dish lies in its flexibility. Serve it chilled as a refreshing side dish alongside grilled chicken, fish, or even a hearty burger. It also makes for an excellent standalone quick lunch idea, especially on a warm day. For a more substantial meal, you can easily pair it with other main course options. Consider serving it with a simple green salad for a light dinner, or as part of a larger spread for potlucks, picnics, or barbecues. The bright colors of the cranberries, feta, and parsley also make it visually appealing on a buffet table. While typically served cold, allowing it to sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes before serving can help the flavors become even more pronounced. For more main course ideas, explore our main course recipes. You might even find inspiration for a complete meal pairing, perhaps with a Salmon Spinach Pasta Dish if you’re looking for another delightful pasta creation.

Helpful Tips for Penne Salad

Additions for crunch

Making your Feta & Cranberry Penne Salad even better is easy with a few simple tips. These suggestions can enhance texture, flavor, and convenience, ensuring your make-ahead salad is always a hit.

To elevate the texture of your easy pasta salad recipe, consider adding elements that provide a satisfying crunch. Toasted nuts, such as walnuts, pecans, or almonds, are excellent choices; simply toast them lightly in a dry pan until fragrant before adding. Seeds like sunflower or pumpkin seeds also offer a great textural contrast. For a fresh crunch, finely diced cucumber, celery, or bell peppers can be incorporated. Even crispy fried onions or crumbled pita chips can add an interesting dimension. These additions not only bring texture but can also introduce subtle new flavors, making each bite of your cranberry feta salad more dynamic. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different crunchy elements to find your perfect combination.

Make ahead instructions

This Feta & Cranberry Penne Salad is an ideal make-ahead salad, perfect for meal prep or entertaining. You can prepare the pasta and the dressing separately, storing them in airtight containers in the refrigerator. The cooked and cooled penne pasta should be lightly tossed with a tablespoon of olive oil to prevent sticking. Combine the pasta, feta, cranberries, and vegetables up to 24 hours in advance. Store this mixture, undressed, in the refrigerator. The orange vinaigrette dressing can also be made a few days ahead and stored separately. When ready to serve, simply combine the salad mixture with the dressing and toss thoroughly. This approach ensures that the salad remains fresh, and the pasta doesn’t absorb too much dressing, preventing sogginess. It’s a fantastic healthy penne salad option for busy schedules, offering fresh flavors whenever you need them. You can find more inspiration for hearty meals like a Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese for your future make-ahead plans.

Variations for This Penne Salad

Customize your meal

One of the joys of cooking is the ability to customize dishes to suit personal tastes or available ingredients. This Feta & Cranberry Penne Salad provides a fantastic canvas for creative variations, allowing you to tailor this healthy penne salad to your preferences.

There are numerous ways to customize your penne salad. If you’re looking for added protein, grilled chicken, chickpeas, or even canned tuna can be excellent additions, transforming it into a more substantial main course. For a different cheese profile, consider goat cheese for a creamier texture, or even a mild cheddar for a more familiar flavor. Don’t limit yourself to cranberries; other dried fruits like apricots, cherries, or golden raisins can introduce different notes of sweetness. Fresh vegetables such as baby spinach, arugula, cherry tomatoes, or corn kernels can boost freshness and nutritional content. For an herbal twist, add fresh dill, mint, or oregano alongside the parsley. If you prefer a nuttier flavor in your orange vinaigrette, swap some of the olive oil for walnut oil. The versatility of this easy pasta salad recipe means you can truly make it your own, exploring various combinations to find what you love most. This adaptability makes it a great simple dinner solution or a fresh salad ingredient experiment.

Storing Your Penne Salad Properly

Keep it fresh

Proper storage is key to maintaining the freshness and quality of your Feta & Cranberry Penne Salad. Following good salad storage practices will ensure that your delicious creation remains enjoyable for days after preparation, making it an excellent make-ahead salad option.

Once dressed, the Feta & Cranberry Penne Salad should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This prevents air exposure, which can dry out the pasta and dull the flavors of the fresh salad ingredients. When properly stored, the salad will typically remain fresh and delicious for 3-4 days. However, the texture of the pasta and vegetables might soften slightly over time as they continue to absorb the dressing. If you’ve opted to prepare the salad and dressing separately (as suggested in the make-ahead tips), both components will keep longer. The undressed salad mixture can last up to 3-4 days, and the dressing itself can be stored for up to a week in an airtight container in the fridge. Before serving leftovers, give the salad a gentle toss to redistribute the dressing, and if it appears a bit dry, you can add a tiny splash more olive oil or orange juice. Always use your best judgment regarding freshness, and discard any salad that develops an off odor or appearance. For more information on food safety and storage, you can refer to resources on safe food handling, like those found on Wikipedia’s Food Storage page. We also encourage you to follow Carina Recipes on Pinterest for more storage and recipe tips, and check out our Instagram for daily inspiration!

Nutrition of Feta & Cranberry Penne Salad

Details per serving

Beyond its delightful taste, the Feta & Cranberry Penne Salad offers a range of nutritional benefits, making it a healthy penne salad choice for many diets. Understanding the general details per serving can help you appreciate its contribution to a balanced meal.

While specific nutritional values will vary based on exact ingredient quantities and brands, this penne salad typically offers a good balance of macronutrients. The penne pasta provides complex carbohydrates, offering sustained energy. Feta cheese contributes protein and calcium, essential for muscle and bone health, respectively. Dried cranberries add natural sweetness along with dietary fiber and antioxidants. The orange vinaigrette, made with olive oil, provides healthy monounsaturated fats. Red onion and parsley add vitamins, minerals, and additional antioxidants. As a vegetarian pasta dish, it’s naturally lower in saturated fat compared to meat-heavy dishes, especially when prepared with lean dressings. This makes it an excellent choice for those looking for a flavorful yet light meal. The fiber content supports digestive health, and the combination of ingredients ensures a satisfying meal without being overly heavy. It’s a fantastic way to incorporate fresh salad ingredients into your diet while enjoying a fulfilling pasta dish. For a balanced diet, it’s always good to consider the overall nutrition facts of your meals.

Common Questions About Penne Salad

Quick answers for you

Many home cooks have questions when trying a new recipe, and the Feta & Cranberry Penne Salad is no exception. We’ve compiled some quick answers to common queries to help ensure your success and enjoyment of this delicious dish.

• Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried? While fresh cranberries offer a tart burst, dried cranberries provide a concentrated sweetness and chewier texture essential to this recipe. If using fresh, you might want to blanch them lightly or roast them with a touch of sugar to soften them and reduce tartness.
• What if I don’t have penne pasta? You can substitute penne with other short, sturdy pasta shapes like rotini, fusilli, farfalle (bow-tie), or even orecchiette. The key is to choose a shape that can hold the dressing and other ingredients well.
• Is this salad gluten-free? No, traditional penne pasta contains gluten. However, you can easily make it gluten-free by using gluten-free penne pasta, which is widely available. Ensure all other ingredients are also certified gluten-free.
• How can I make this salad vegan? To make this a vegan pasta dish, simply omit the feta cheese or substitute it with a plant-based feta alternative. Ensure your honey in the dressing is replaced with maple syrup or agave nectar.
• Can I add other vegetables? Absolutely! Finely diced bell peppers (red, yellow, or orange), cucumber, or even steamed broccoli florets would make wonderful additions, boosting the freshness and nutritional value of your cranberry feta salad.

These answers should help you confidently prepare and enjoy your Feta & Cranberry Penne Salad, ensuring it becomes a favorite easy pasta salad recipe in your culinary repertoire.