Imagine a vibrant bowl full of al dente penne pasta, crunchy cranberries, and creamy feta cheese, all tossed together with a zesty orange vinaigrette that dances on your palate. The sweet and tangy notes mingle with the salty feta, creating a flavor explosion that’s both refreshing and satisfying.
I first whipped up this Feta & Cranberry Penne Salad with Orange Vinaigrette for an impromptu picnic in the park. Picture me, a culinary wizard armed only with a plastic fork, trying to impress my friends while simultaneously dodging ants and keeping my sandwich from flying away. Spoiler alert: the salad was the star of the show, while my sandwich… well, let’s just say it had an unfortunate encounter with a rogue breeze.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Feta & Cranberry Penne Salad with Orange Vinaigrette is your new go-to dish for any occasion. It boasts an easy preparation that even kitchen novices can master in no time. With its unique flavor profile combining the sweetness of cranberries and the creaminess of feta, it looks stunning on any table setting. Plus, its versatility allows you to customize it by adding your favorite ingredients or swapping out pasta types as you please.
Ingredients for Feta & Cranberry Penne Salad with Orange Vinaigrette
Here’s what you need for this delicious dish:
The complete ingredient list, including quantities, can be found directly under the recipe card.
How to Make Feta & Cranberry Penne Salad with Orange Vinaigrette
Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:
Step 1: Cook Your Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over medium-high heat. Add 8 ounces of penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente—usually around 10-12 minutes. Once cooked, drain the pasta and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside.
Step 2: Prepare Your Ingredients
While your pasta is cooking, gather all other ingredients. In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of dried cranberries, 6 ounces of crumbled feta cheese, and 4 cups of fresh baby spinach. Toss gently to mix without breaking up the feta too much.
Step 3: Make the Orange Vinaigrette
In a small bowl or jar, whisk together 1/4 cup of freshly squeezed orange juice, 1/4 cup of extra virgin olive oil, and 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard until well blended. Season with salt and pepper to taste—don’t skimp on this step! A little seasoning goes a long way.
Step 4: Combine Everything Together
Add the cooled penne pasta into the mixing bowl containing cranberries, feta cheese, and spinach. Pour in your vibrant orange vinaigrette dressing over everything. Now comes the fun part—gently fold everything together using a spatula or tongs until well-coated.
Step 5: Serve It Up
Transfer your salad into a large serving bowl or individual plates. Garnish with additional cranberries or crumbled feta if you’re feeling fancy! Enjoy immediately or refrigerate for up to two hours before serving to allow flavors to meld beautifully.
You’ve just created an explosion of flavors in one bowl! Garnish with fresh mint if you like that extra flair and serve immediately to enjoy every delicious bite.
Improving the Cooking Method
For the Feta & Cranberry Penne Salad with Orange Vinaigrette, cook the penne al dente for a perfect bite. Toss warm noodles with vinaigrette while still hot to enhance flavor absorption without wilting any fresh ingredients.
Decorate Your Dish with Your Personal Touch
Feel free to swap feta cheese with goat cheese for a tangy twist or use dried cherries instead of cranberries for a delightful sweetness. Your salad, your rules!
Smart Tips for Storage and Reheating
To maintain the freshness of the Feta & Cranberry Penne Salad with Orange Vinaigrette, store the salad and dressing separately in airtight containers. Combine them just before serving to keep things crisp and vibrant.
Practical Chef Advice
I once whipped up this Feta & Cranberry Penne Salad with Orange Vinaigrette for a picnic, and it vanished faster than my attempts at adulting! Everyone was asking for seconds, and I was left wondering if I should share my secret recipe.
Conclusion for Feta & Cranberry Penne Salad with Orange Vinaigrette
This Feta & Cranberry Penne Salad with Orange Vinaigrette is a delightful blend of flavors and textures that brings freshness to your table. The creamy feta paired with the sweet-tart cranberries creates a satisfying taste experience, while the zesty orange vinaigrette adds brightness that elevates the dish. Perfect for any occasion, this salad is not only easy to prepare but also nutritious and visually appealing. Don’t miss out on this vibrant recipe—try it today and enjoy a burst of flavor in every bite!
PrintFeta & Cranberry Penne Salad with Orange Vinaigrette
Delicious feta & cranberry penne salad with orange vinaigrette recipe with detailed instructions and nutritional information.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Method: Stovetop
Ingredients
- 8 ounces penne pasta, cooked al dente
- 1 cup dried cranberries, unsweetened
- 6 ounces crumbled feta cheese, block style
- 4 cups fresh baby spinach
- 1/4 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Add 8 ounces of penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually around 10-12 minutes.
- Once cooked, drain the pasta and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process.
- Set the pasta aside.
- While the pasta is cooking, gather all other ingredients.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of dried cranberries, 6 ounces of crumbled feta cheese, and 4 cups of fresh baby spinach.
- Toss gently to mix without breaking up the feta too much.
- In a small bowl or jar, whisk together 1/4 cup of freshly squeezed orange juice, 1/4 cup of extra virgin olive oil, and 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard until well blended.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Add the cooled penne pasta into the mixing bowl containing cranberries, feta cheese, and spinach.
- Pour in your vibrant orange vinaigrette dressing over everything.
- Gently fold everything together using a spatula or tongs until well-coated.
- Transfer your salad into a large serving bowl or individual plates.
- Garnish with additional cranberries or crumbled feta if desired.
- Enjoy immediately or refrigerate for up to two hours before serving.
Notes
Store leftovers in an airtight container.
Reheat gently to avoid mushiness.
Serve chilled for refreshing flavor.
Use crumbled feta for better distribution.
Nutrition
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 12g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
FAQs
What can I use instead of feta cheese in Feta & Cranberry Penne Salad with Orange Vinaigrette?
If you want a dairy-free option, consider using a plant-based feta alternative made from nuts or tofu. These options provide a similar tangy flavor and creamy texture without the dairy. Just crumble it over your salad as you would traditional feta.
Can I make Feta & Cranberry Penne Salad with Orange Vinaigrette ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare this salad ahead of time! To keep it fresh, mix the pasta, feta, cranberries, and vegetables together but add the orange vinaigrette just before serving. This helps maintain the crunchiness of the ingredients.
How long does Feta & Cranberry Penne Salad with Orange Vinaigrette last in the fridge?
When stored properly in an airtight container, this salad can last up to three days in the refrigerator. However, for optimal taste and texture, it’s best enjoyed within two days.
What other ingredients can I add to the Feta & Cranberry Penne Salad with Orange Vinaigrette?
Feel free to customize your salad by adding ingredients like chopped nuts for crunch, grilled chicken for protein, or seasonal vegetables like bell peppers or spinach for extra nutrition.