Feta & Cranberry Penne Salad with Orange Vinaigrette
Feta & Cranberry Penne Salad with Orange Vinaigrette is a delightful and vibrant dish that brings together the perfect balance of flavors and textures. This quick and easy salad combines tender penne pasta, creamy feta cheese, sweet dried cranberries, and crunchy toasted walnuts, all tossed in a zesty homemade orange vinaigrette. Ready in just 20 minutes, it makes for an ideal option whether served as a main dish or a refreshing side. Packed with nutrients from fresh spinach and wholesome ingredients, this salad is not only delicious but also a healthy choice that will impress at any table.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients
Scale
- 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 according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water; set aside.
- In a small bowl, whisk together orange juice, olive oil, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked penne, crumbled feta cheese, dried cranberries, toasted walnuts, baby spinach, and sliced red onion.
- Drizzle the orange vinaigrette over the salad mixture and toss gently to coat all ingredients evenly.
- Serve immediately or chill for about 15 minutes to enhance the flavors.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (150g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 280mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 10mg