Discover the Joy of Feta & Cranberry Penne Salad Today!

Elevate your lunchtime with the vibrant and flavor-packed Feta & Cranberry Penne Salad. This colorful pasta salad is a delightful blend of tender penne, tangy feta cheese, sweet dried cranberries, and crunchy toasted walnuts, all tossed in a bright and tangy orange vinaigrette. Packed with wholesome ingredients, this salad is not only a treat for your taste buds but also a nutritious addition to your day.

Table of Contents

Ingredients in Feta & Cranberry Penne Salad

The beauty of this Feta & Cranberry Penne Salad lies in its simple yet impactful ingredients. Let’s take a closer look at each component:

  • Penne Pasta: A classic choice, penne provides a satisfying texture and shape that holds the flavors beautifully. Opt for whole grain penne for added fiber and nutrients.
  • Feta Cheese: Crumbled feta cheese lends a tangy, creamy richness to the salad, complementing the other ingredients perfectly.
  • Dried Cranberries: These tart, chewy bites add a pop of sweetness and vibrant color to the dish. Dried cranberries are also packed with antioxidants and fiber.
  • Toasted Walnuts: Crunchy, nutty toasted walnuts provide a delightful textural contrast and a boost of healthy fats and protein.
  • Baby Spinach: Crisp baby spinach leaves add a fresh, verdant element to the salad, contributing essential vitamins and minerals.
  • Red Onion: Thinly sliced red onion offers a subtle pungency and crunch, balancing the other flavors.
  • Orange Juice: The star of the vinaigrette, fresh orange juice lends a bright, citrusy note to the dressing.
  • Olive Oil: High-quality extra virgin olive oil provides a rich, velvety texture to the vinaigrette and contributes heart-healthy fats.
  • Honey: A touch of honey in the vinaigrette adds a delicate sweetness to balance the acidity of the orange juice.
  • Dijon Mustard: Dijon mustard emulsifies the vinaigrette and enhances the overall flavor profile.
  • Salt and Black Pepper: These classic seasonings help to bring out the natural flavors of the ingredients.

Cooking the Penne Pasta

To begin, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions, taking care to achieve the perfect al dente texture. Once the pasta is cooked, drain it and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process and prevent the pasta from becoming overly soft. Set the cooked penne aside while you prepare the rest of the salad.

Making the Orange Vinaigrette

In a small bowl, whisk together the fresh orange juice, olive oil, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper until the dressing is well-emulsified and the flavors are harmonized. The key to a balanced vinaigrette is to taste as you go, adjusting the seasoning and proportions to suit your personal preference.

Feta & Cranberry Penne Salad 5 Steps Easy Delicious

Assembling the Feta & Cranberry Penne Salad

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked and cooled penne pasta, crumbled feta cheese, dried cranberries, toasted walnuts, baby spinach, and thinly sliced red onion. Gently toss the ingredients together to ensure an even distribution of all the components.

Dressing and Tossing the Salad

Drizzle the prepared orange vinaigrette over the salad and toss everything together until the dressing coats all the ingredients evenly. Be mindful to toss the salad gently to avoid bruising the delicate spinach leaves.

FAQs About Feta & Cranberry Penne Salad

Can I use whole grain penne pasta instead of regular penne?

Yes, you can definitely use whole grain penne pasta as a healthier alternative to regular penne. Whole grain pasta provides additional fiber and nutrients, making the salad more filling and beneficial for digestion. Just keep in mind that whole grain pasta may require a slightly longer cooking time and can have a different texture, so be sure to taste it while cooking to achieve your desired level of tenderness.

What other ingredients can I add to enhance the flavors of the salad?

You can enhance the flavors of the Feta & Cranberry Penne Salad by adding ingredients like sliced cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, or roasted bell peppers for extra color and freshness. Additionally, incorporating herbs like fresh basil or parsley can elevate the dish. For a more savory touch, consider adding olives or artichoke hearts. Just be mindful of balancing the flavors so that none overpower the main ingredients.

Is it possible to make a vegan version of this salad?

Yes, you can make a vegan version of the Feta & Cranberry Penne Salad by substituting the feta cheese with a plant-based feta alternative or using crumbled tofu seasoned with lemon juice and nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor. Ensure that the honey in the vinaigrette is replaced with maple syrup or agave nectar to keep the dressing vegan-friendly. This way, you can enjoy the salad without compromising on dietary preferences.

How can I adjust the salad for a low-sodium diet?

To adjust the Feta & Cranberry Penne Salad for a low-sodium diet, start by using low-sodium feta cheese or omit it altogether, replacing it with a blend of avocado and nutritional yeast for creaminess and flavor. Additionally, you can reduce or eliminate the salt in the vinaigrette and use fresh herbs and spices to enhance the taste without adding sodium. Opt for unsalted nuts or seeds instead of toasted walnuts for a crunchy texture without the extra salt.

Conclusion

The Feta & Cranberry Penne Salad with Orange Vinaigrette is a delightful and nutritious way to elevate your lunchtime routine. With its vibrant flavors, diverse textures, and wholesome ingredients, this salad is sure to become a new favorite in your repertoire. So, gather your ingredients, fire up your kitchen, and get ready to savor the refreshing and satisfying goodness of this incredible pasta salad.

Looking for more visual inspiration? Follow me on Pinterest, where I share new recipes, dinner tips, and behind-the-scenes kitchen moments every week. Buon appetito!

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Feta & Cranberry Penne Salad 5 Steps Easy Delicious

Discover the Joy of Feta & Cranberry Penne Salad Today!


  • Author: Sofia Rojas
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

Feta & Cranberry Penne Salad with Orange Vinaigrette is a vibrant and flavor-packed salad featuring tender penne, tangy feta cheese, sweet dried cranberries, and crunchy toasted walnuts, all tossed in a bright orange vinaigrette.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 ounce penne pasta
  • 1 cup crumbled feta cheese
  • 1/2 cup dried cranberries
  • 1/2 cup toasted walnuts
  • 4 cup baby spinach
  • 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion
  • 1/2 cup fresh orange juice
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

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

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

3. In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked penne, feta cheese, cranberries, walnuts, spinach, and red onion. Toss gently.

4. Drizzle the vinaigrette over the salad and toss until evenly coated.

Notes

For a healthier option, use whole grain penne pasta.

You can enhance the flavors by adding cherry tomatoes or cucumbers.

For a vegan version, substitute feta with plant-based alternatives and honey with maple syrup.

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Salad
  • Method: Mixing
  • Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 350
  • Sugar: 10g
  • Sodium: 300mg
  • Fat: 20g
  • Saturated Fat: 3g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 15g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 35g
  • Fiber: 5g
  • Protein: 10g
  • Cholesterol: 10mg