Feta & Cranberry Penne Salad with Orange Vinaigrette

There’s something magical about a salad that perfectly balances sweet, tangy, and savory flavors, and this Feta & Cranberry Penne Salad with Orange Vinaigrette does just that! It’s light yet satisfying, fresh yet indulgent. Whether you’re looking for a quick lunch, a side dish for a potluck, or a refreshing meal prep option, this salad will become a staple in your kitchen.

I’m so excited to share this with you because it’s one of those recipes that feels fancy but is actually effortless! The combination of crumbly feta, sweet dried cranberries, crunchy walnuts, and a zesty orange vinaigrette makes every bite an explosion of flavor.

So, let’s dive in—because I promise, once you try this, you’ll be making it on repeat!

Why You’ll Love This Feta & Cranberry Penne Salad

• Packed with flavor – The balance of salty feta, tart cranberries, and citrusy dressing makes this an unforgettable dish.
• Quick & easy – Ready in just 20 minutes with minimal prep work!
• Perfect for meal prep – Stays fresh in the fridge and tastes even better the next day.
• Versatile – Great as a side or a main dish, and easy to customize with your favorite ingredients.
• Healthy & satisfying – With fresh spinach, nuts, and whole grains, this salad is a nutrient-packed meal.

What Does This Salad Taste Like?

Think of a bright, refreshing burst of flavors in every bite! The citrusy vinaigrette adds a tangy sweetness that complements the rich, salty feta. The cranberries bring a chewy tartness, while the toasted walnuts add a warm crunch. And the baby spinach? It ties everything together with a fresh, leafy bite. The result is a salad that’s anything but boring!

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Salad:

8 oz penne pasta
½ cup feta cheese, crumbled
½ cup dried cranberries
¼ cup toasted walnuts, chopped
2 cups baby spinach
¼ cup red onion, thinly sliced

For the Orange Vinaigrette:

¼ cup fresh orange juice
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon honey
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

• Large pot (for cooking pasta)
• Strainer
• Small bowl (for mixing the vinaigrette)
• Whisk
• Large mixing bowl
• Sharp knife & cutting board

Ingredient Substitutions & Additions

• Pasta swap – Try whole wheat pasta for more fiber or gluten-free pasta if needed.
• Cheese options – Goat cheese or blue cheese can replace feta for a stronger flavor.
• Nut alternatives – Swap walnuts for pecans, almonds, or sunflower seeds.
• Extra protein – Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas to make it heartier.
• More greens – Kale or arugula can be used instead of spinach.
• Citrus twist – Swap orange juice for lemon or grapefruit juice for a different zing.

How to Make Feta & Cranberry Penne Salad with Orange Vinaigrette

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the penne according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain, rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process, and set aside.

Step 2: Make the Orange Vinaigrette

In a small bowl, whisk together the fresh orange juice, olive oil, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper. This dressing is light, citrusy, and just the right amount of sweet and tangy!

Step 3: Assemble the Salad

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, crumbled feta, dried cranberries, toasted walnuts, baby spinach, and thinly sliced red onion.

Step 4: Toss with the Vinaigrette

Drizzle the orange vinaigrette over the salad and toss gently to ensure everything is well coated.

Step 5: Serve & Enjoy!

You can serve the salad immediately, but if you let it chill for 15 minutes, the flavors will meld together beautifully!

What to Serve with This Salad

This salad is fantastic on its own, but it also pairs well with:

🥖 Crusty bread or garlic bread – Perfect for soaking up the extra vinaigrette!
🍗 Grilled chicken or salmon – For an extra protein boost.
🥑 Avocado slices – Adds creaminess and healthy fats.
🍷 A glass of white wine – A crisp Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio complements the citrus notes.

Tips for the Best Salad

Toast the walnuts – This brings out their nutty flavor and adds extra crunch.
Use fresh orange juice – It makes a huge difference compared to bottled juice.
Chill before serving – Letting the salad sit for 15-30 minutes enhances the flavors.
Thinly slice the red onion – This ensures it doesn’t overpower the other ingredients.
Make it ahead – The salad keeps well in the fridge, making it perfect for meal prep.

How to Store This Salad

📌 Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. The pasta will absorb the vinaigrette, so you may want to add a splash of fresh orange juice before serving.

📌 Make ahead tip: Keep the vinaigrette separate until ready to serve to keep the spinach fresh.

📌 Not freezer-friendly: The pasta and spinach don’t hold up well when frozen.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use another type of pasta?

Yes! Bowtie, fusilli, or rotini work great in this recipe.

Is this salad good for meal prep?

Absolutely! Just store the dressing separately and mix before eating.

What if I don’t have fresh oranges?

You can use bottled orange juice, but fresh juice gives the best flavor.

Can I make this vegan?

Yes! Simply swap the feta for a dairy-free cheese or add extra nuts for creaminess.

How can I make this salad more filling?

Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or cooked quinoa for extra protein.

More Recipes You’ll Love!

If you love this salad, check out these other delicious feta and cranberry pasta dishes:

🥗 Feta & Cranberry Orzo with Lemon Vinaigrette – A refreshing twist with orzo and a zesty lemon vinaigrette.

🍝 Feta & Cranberry Rigatoni Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette – A hearty, tangy pasta salad.

🌾 Feta & Cranberry Barley Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette – A wholesome, fiber-rich alternative.

Let’s Stay Connected!

Tried this recipe? I’d love to see your version! Tag me on Pinterest: @EMMARECIPES18 and share your delicious creation! Happy cooking! 🥗💛

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