Feta & Cranberry Penne Salad with Orange Vinaigrette
Introduction
Looking for a refreshing and tasty dish? This Feta & Cranberry Penne Salad with Orange Vinaigrette is a delightful combination of flavors that can brighten up any meal. It’s not only easy to make but also packed with nutritious ingredients. This salad is perfect for potlucks, parties, or a simple weeknight dinner. Get ready to enjoy a salad that stands out with its vibrant taste and beautiful colors!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick & Easy: Comes together in just a few simple steps, perfect for busy days.
- Simple Ingredients: Uses everyday ingredients that are easy to find.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Great for picnics, barbecues, or as a side dish at family gatherings.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Delicious flavors that everyone will love.
- Unbelievably Delicious: The combination of feta and cranberries creates a lovely balance of savory and sweet.
This salad stands out from others due to the unique orange vinaigrette that adds a zesty freshness. It’s comforting and satisfying, making it a delightful dish to impress your family and friends.
Ingredients Needed
For the salad:
- 8 oz penne pasta
- 1 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 2 cups arugula or spinach
For the vinaigrette:
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons orange juice
- 1 tablespoon white wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon honey
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Make Feta & Cranberry Penne Salad with Orange Vinaigrette
- Cook the Pasta: Begin by boiling water in a large pot and adding the penne pasta. Cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Once done, drain and rinse the pasta under cold water to cool it down.
- Combine the Salad Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled penne pasta, crumbled feta cheese, dried cranberries, thinly sliced red onion, and your choice of arugula or spinach.
- Prepare the Vinaigrette: In a separate bowl, whisk together the olive oil, orange juice, white wine vinegar, and honey. Season with salt and pepper to taste. This vinaigrette will elevate the flavors of your salad!
- Mix Everything Together: Pour the vinaigrette over the salad mixture and toss everything gently to combine, ensuring all ingredients are evenly coated.
- Serve: You can serve the salad right away or let it chill in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes for a cooler taste.
Serving and Storage Tips
Serve your Feta & Cranberry Penne Salad in a large bowl or individual servings. Garnish with extra feta or cranberries for a beautiful presentation. To store, place any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. If you want to keep the salad fresh, consider adding the vinaigrette just before serving.
Helpful Notes
- Make It Your Own: You can add grilled chicken or chickpeas for extra protein.
- Substitutions: If you don’t have arugula, spinach works just as well. You can also use fresh herbs like basil for added flavor.
- Chill Before Serving: This salad tastes even better when it has some time in the fridge, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Conclusion
In summary, the Feta & Cranberry Penne Salad with Orange Vinaigrette is a simple yet flavorful dish that will surely impress. Its refreshing taste makes it perfect for any occasion, and it’s quick to whip up. We hope you give this salad a try! If you enjoyed the recipe, please leave a comment and a star rating. Feel free to share the recipe on social media! What variations did you try? Let us know below!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use whole wheat penne pasta instead?
Yes, whole wheat penne pasta works great in this recipe and adds extra fiber!
How do I make this gluten-free?
You can substitute the penne pasta with gluten-free pasta made from rice, quinoa, or chickpeas.
Is this recipe freezer-friendly?
It’s best to enjoy this salad fresh. However, if you need to, you can freeze the cooked pasta and add fresh ingredients later. Just don’t freeze the dressing or fresh veggies.
How thick should the vinaigrette be?
The vinaigrette should be a light, pourable consistency, not too thick. If it seems thick, you can whisk in a little water or extra orange juice.
Feta & Cranberry Penne Salad with Orange Vinaigrette
Ingredients
For the salad
- 8 oz penne pasta
- 1 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 2 cups arugula or spinach
For the vinaigrette
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons orange juice
- 1 tablespoon white wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon honey
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Preparation
- Begin by boiling water in a large pot and adding the penne pasta. Cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Once done, drain and rinse the pasta under cold water to cool it down.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled penne pasta, crumbled feta cheese, dried cranberries, thinly sliced red onion, and your choice of arugula or spinach.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the olive oil, orange juice, white wine vinegar, and honey. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Pour the vinaigrette over the salad mixture and toss everything gently to combine, ensuring all ingredients are evenly coated.
- You can serve the salad right away or let it chill in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes for a cooler taste.