Feta & Cranberry Penne Salad with Orange Vinaigrette

Making a refreshing pasta salad offers a delicious way to enjoy a variety of flavors and textures. This Feta & Cranberry Penne Salad combines creamy feta, sweet cranberries, and crunchy walnuts, all dressed with a zesty orange vinaigrette. Perfect for lunch or alongside grilled chicken, this vibrant dish will brighten your table.

Why Make This Recipe

This salad provides not only delightful tastes but also nutritional benefits. Feta cheese adds a boost of calcium, while cranberries offer antioxidants. The fresh greens contribute vital vitamins, making this salad a wholesome choice. Plus, the orange vinaigrette elevates the flavors, turning a simple dish into something special. You can serve it as a light meal or as a side dish at gatherings.

How to Make Feta & Cranberry Penne Salad

Ingredients:

8 oz penne pasta
1 cup feta cheese, crumbled
1/2 cup dried cranberries
1/4 cup red onion, diced
1/4 cup walnuts, chopped
2 cups mixed greens
1/4 cup olive oil
2 tablespoons orange juice
1 tablespoon honey
Salt and pepper to taste
Zest of 1 orange

Step by Step:

Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions. Drain and let cool.
In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, feta cheese, cranberries, red onion, walnuts, and mixed greens.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the olive oil, orange juice, honey, salt, pepper, and orange zest to create the vinaigrette.
Pour the vinaigrette over the salad and toss to combine.
Serve chilled or at room temperature.

How to Serve Feta & Cranberry Penne Salad

Serve this salad in a large bowl, garnished with a sprinkle of extra feta and a few walnuts on top for added flair. Pair it with grilled chicken for a complete meal or enjoy it as a stand-alone dish.

How to Store Feta & Cranberry Penne Salad

If you have leftovers, store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The vinaigrette may separate over time, so give it a good stir before serving again.

Tips to Make Feta & Cranberry Penne Salad

For extra flavor, toast the walnuts in a dry skillet before adding them to the salad.
If you prefer, substitute the mixed greens with spinach or arugula for a different taste.
Consider adding other ingredients like grilled chicken or avocado for a heartier salad.

Variation

You can easily modify this salad by adding fresh herbs like parsley or basil for extra flavor. A sprinkle of pumpkin seeds also adds a nice crunch.

FAQs

1. Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the salad a day in advance. However, it’s best to add the vinaigrette just before serving to prevent the greens from wilting.

2. Is this salad gluten-free?
To make this salad gluten-free, simply swap the penne pasta with a gluten-free pasta option.

3. How can I add protein to this dish?
You can add grilled chicken, chickpeas, or even quinoa to boost the protein content and make it more filling.

For more delicious recipes, feel free to check out this high-protein chicken salad or crispy garlic chicken fried rice. Enjoy this refreshing dish for a healthy meal!