Description
Experience the delightful harmony of flavors in the Feta & Cranberry Penne Salad with Orange Vinaigrette. This vibrant dish combines tender penne pasta, tangy feta cheese, sweet cranberries, and crunchy walnuts, all tossed together with a zesty orange vinaigrette. Perfect for picnics, potlucks, or a light lunch, this colorful salad is not only quick to prepare—ready in just 20 minutes—but also incredibly versatile. Serve it as a hearty main dish or a flavorful side that will impress your guests.
Ingredients
- 8 oz penne pasta
- ½ cup crumbled feta cheese
- ½ cup dried cranberries
- ¼ cup chopped toasted walnuts
- 2 cups baby spinach
- ¼ cup thinly sliced 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 pasta in salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water.
- In a small bowl, whisk together fresh orange juice, olive oil, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper until combined.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked penne pasta with crumbled feta cheese, dried cranberries, chopped walnuts, baby spinach, and thinly sliced red onion.
- Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat all ingredients evenly.
- Serve immediately or refrigerate for about 15 minutes to enhance flavors before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (250g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
Keywords: For added crunch and flavor variations, consider incorporating other nuts like pecans or almonds. If you prefer a different cheese flavor profile, try substituting goat cheese for feta. Letting the salad chill allows the ingredients to meld beautifully.