Feta Cranberry Penne Salad

This Feta Cranberry Penne Salad is a delightful medley of textures and flavors: creamy feta, chewy cranberries, crisp celery, and a citrusy orange vinaigrette that ties it all together. It’s the kind of dish that feels both indulgent and fresh, perfect for those looking to brighten up their table with minimal effort. Whether you’re prepping for a summer barbecue, need an easy make-ahead meal for the week, or just craving something light yet satisfying, this salad delivers. It’s colorful, nutrient-packed, and versatile enough to stand on its own or complement grilled proteins. Plus, it travels well, making it ideal for potlucks, picnics, or weekday lunchboxes.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

• 12 oz penne pasta

• 1/2 cup dried cranberries

• 1 cup crumbled feta cheese

• 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced

• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

• 1/4 cup chopped green onions

• 1/2 cup chopped celery

• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)

For the Orange Vinaigrette:

• 1/3 cup orange juice (freshly squeezed)

• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar

• 1 tablespoon honey

• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

• 1/3 cup olive oil

• Salt and pepper, to taste

Directions:

1. Cook penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process.

2. In a small bowl, whisk together orange juice, vinegar, honey, mustard, olive oil, salt, and pepper until well emulsified.

3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, cranberries, feta cheese, red onion, parsley, green onions, celery, and walnuts.

4. Pour the orange vinaigrette over the salad and toss until well coated.

5. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes
Kcal: 370 kcal | Servings: 6 servings

A Refreshing Twist: Feta Cranberry Penne Salad with Orange Vinaigrette

When it comes to summer-friendly meals or quick, satisfying lunch ideas, pasta salads often come to mind. They’re easy to make, pack well for picnics, and offer countless variations to suit any palate. Among the many combinations, Feta Cranberry Penne Salad with Orange Vinaigrette stands out as a bright, tangy, and beautifully balanced dish. The creamy saltiness of feta, the chewy sweetness of dried cranberries, and the citrusy punch of orange vinaigrette make it a salad worth savoring.

In this article, we’ll dive deep into what makes this salad so special its flavors, nutritional benefits, pairing ideas, and why it’s a must-have in your kitchen’s summer rotation.

Why This Salad Works

There are countless pasta salads out there, but what sets this one apart is its balance of flavor and texture. The feta cheese brings a rich, salty creaminess that contrasts perfectly with the sweet tartness of dried cranberries. The penne pasta provides a neutral base that absorbs the citrus vinaigrette beautifully, while chopped herbs, red onion, and celery add depth and freshness.

This isn’t just a salad it’s a harmonious combination of flavors that dance on your tongue. Each bite delivers a blend of sweet, savory, tangy, and herbaceous notes. It’s refreshing yet filling, complex yet incredibly simple to prepare.

The Role of the Orange Vinaigrette

A standout feature of this dish is the homemade orange vinaigrette. Unlike heavier cream-based dressings, this light citrus vinaigrette provides a vibrant zing that enhances rather than overwhelms the salad. Orange juice preferably freshly squeezed offers natural sweetness and acidity. When combined with apple cider vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, and a quality olive oil, it forms an emulsion that coats the pasta and mix-ins beautifully.

This vinaigrette is not only tasty but also healthy, packed with Vitamin C, antioxidants, and heart-healthy fats. It’s also incredibly versatile. Once you master this dressing, you’ll likely want to use it on everything from leafy greens to roasted vegetables.

A Nutrient-Dense Choice

Don’t let the simple ingredients fool you this salad packs a serious nutritional punch. Let’s break down why it’s a great option for those looking for a balanced meal:

• Pasta (carbohydrates): Penne pasta provides a good source of energy. You can also opt for whole wheat or gluten-free penne to meet dietary preferences.

• Feta cheese (protein and calcium): Though it adds a dose of indulgence, feta is lower in fat than many cheeses and brings protein and bone-strengthening calcium to the table.

• Dried cranberries (antioxidants and fiber): These tiny fruits are rich in antioxidants and offer digestive benefits.

• Orange vinaigrette (healthy fats and vitamins): The olive oil provides monounsaturated fats, and orange juice adds immune-boosting Vitamin C.

• Celery and red onion (micronutrients): They offer crunch, flavor, and important vitamins and minerals with very few calories.

Together, these ingredients create a well-rounded dish that supports both physical wellness and culinary satisfaction.

Perfect for Every Occasion

One of the greatest assets of this salad is its versatility. It’s ideal for:

Summer Picnics

Because it’s served cold or at room temperature, this salad is perfect for outdoor events. It travels well and doesn’t require reheating just pack it in an airtight container and go.

Healthy Work Lunches

Need a break from sandwiches? This pasta salad is filling enough to satisfy midday hunger, yet light enough to avoid the afternoon slump. Make a big batch and portion it into containers for the week.

Potlucks and Parties

If you want to stand out at your next potluck or backyard barbecue, this dish will do it. Its bright colors and sophisticated flavor profile make it a crowd-pleaser.

Dinner Side or Light Main

Pair it with grilled chicken, fish, or tofu for a complete meal. Or enjoy it on its own for a lighter dinner option that doesn’t compromise on flavor.

Customization Tips

While the base recipe is delicious as-is, you can easily personalize it to suit your taste or dietary needs:

• Add greens: Toss in arugula, spinach, or kale to introduce more fiber and nutrients.

• Swap the cheese: Try goat cheese, ricotta salata, or vegan feta for a new twist.

• Use different nuts: Walnuts, pecans, or sliced almonds add extra crunch and healthy fats.

• Include protein: Add shredded rotisserie chicken, chickpeas, or even grilled shrimp to turn this into a heartier dish.

• Go gluten-free: Use gluten-free pasta and double-check your mustard and vinegar sources.

Make-Ahead and Storage

This salad is meal-prep friendly. In fact, it often tastes better the next day once the flavors have had time to meld. Here are a few tips for storing and preparing in advance:

• Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

• If making ahead for a gathering, consider keeping the dressing separate until just before serving to preserve texture.

• To freshen up leftovers, toss with a little extra vinaigrette or a splash of orange juice before serving.

Flavor Pairing Suggestions

To create a well-rounded meal or experience, try pairing this salad with:

• Grilled proteins: Chicken skewers, salmon, or even halloumi cheese.

• Crisp white wines: A Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio complements the citrus notes beautifully.

• Fruit-infused sparkling water for a light and refreshing non-alcoholic option.

• Rustic breads like a crusty sourdough or herb focaccia to soak up any leftover vinaigrette.

These combinations enhance the dining experience and make this salad feel like part of a curated meal.

Why You’ll Keep Coming Back to This Salad

The Feta Cranberry Penne Salad with Orange Vinaigrette offers everything today’s home cook looks for: ease, elegance, flavor, and flexibility. It’s the kind of dish that doesn’t just fill you up it uplifts your table with its vibrant colors and contrasting textures.

Whether you’re cooking for yourself, feeding your family, or contributing to a community meal, this salad makes an impression. It’s sophisticated enough for entertaining but simple enough for weekday lunches.

Once you make it, it’s sure to become a go-to favorite in your meal rotation.

Conclusion:

In a world full of complicated recipes and hard-to-source ingredients, this Feta Cranberry Penne Salad with Orange Vinaigrette reminds us that sometimes, the best dishes come from simple, high-quality ingredients combined with intention.

It’s colorful, flavorful, nutritious, and incredibly versatile. Whether you’re chasing quick weekday meals, planning a picnic, or just craving something light and delicious, this salad is a perfect choice. With a zesty homemade vinaigrette, creamy feta, and bursts of cranberry sweetness, it proves that salad never has to be boring.