Description
This Feta & Cranberry Penne Salad with Orange Vinaigrette is a delightful fusion of flavors that brings a burst of freshness to any table. With al dente penne pasta as the base, this vibrant salad is enriched with creamy feta cheese, sweet dried cranberries, and crunchy walnuts, all beautifully tossed in a zesty orange vinaigrette. In just 20 minutes, you can create this visually appealing dish that’s perfect for picnics, potlucks, or as a light main course. Whether enjoyed on its own or paired with grilled chicken or turkey, this salad promises a satisfying meal filled with wholesome ingredients.
Ingredients
- 8 oz penne pasta
- ½ cup crumbled feta cheese
- ½ cup dried cranberries
- ¼ cup toasted walnuts, chopped
- 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 until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water.
- Whisk together fresh orange juice, olive oil, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl until combined.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked pasta with feta cheese, cranberries, walnuts, spinach, and red onion.
- Drizzle the vinaigrette over the salad and toss gently to coat.
- Serve immediately or refrigerate for 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 cup (200g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 280mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
Keywords: Try adding seasonal vegetables like bell peppers or cherry tomatoes for extra color and nutrition. For added crunch and flavor, consider incorporating roasted sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds.