Healthy Feta and Cranberry Penne Salad with Orange Vinaigrette

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?

Light, zesty, and full of contrasting textures, this Healthy Feta and Cranberry Penne Salad with Orange Vinaigrette is a perfect pick for lunch, picnics, or a refreshing side. The sweetness of dried cranberries paired with salty feta creates a balanced bite, while the penne adds just enough substance to make it filling without feeling heavy.

Tossed in a homemade orange vinaigrette, this salad brings a citrusy brightness that ties everything together. It’s one of those dishes that feels indulgent but is actually made with whole, nourishing ingredients. Best of all? It comes together quickly and can be made ahead for even easier meal prep.

Why You’ll Love This Healthy Feta and Cranberry Penne Salad

This salad hits every note your taste buds could want. You get sweet from the cranberries, savory from the feta, a little bite from red onion, and a fresh crunch from baby spinach or arugula. The orange vinaigrette lifts the flavors with a touch of tang and sweetness, giving the whole dish a light but vibrant taste.

It’s also a versatile recipe. You can serve it warm, cold, or at room temperature, and it pairs well with protein if you’re looking to make it a more complete meal. The leftovers taste just as great the next day, making it an excellent option for meal prepping.

Can I Use Another Pasta Besides Penne?

Absolutely. While penne is great because its ridges grab onto the vinaigrette and fillings, other short pastas like rotini, farfalle, or fusilli will work well too. Just aim for a shape that has texture to hold the dressing and can hold its shape when tossed with other ingredients.

Ingredients for the Healthy Feta and Cranberry Penne Salad

This recipe keeps things simple and fresh. Here’s what you’ll need to make it:

Penne Pasta
This is the base of the salad. It’s hearty, holds its shape, and makes the salad satisfying.

Crumbled Feta Cheese
Creamy, salty, and tangy — feta adds richness and depth to the salad. It pairs beautifully with the sweet and tart flavors.

Dried Cranberries
These add a pop of sweetness and chewiness that balances the tangy cheese and citrus dressing.

Fresh Baby Spinach or Arugula
A handful of greens brings freshness, color, and a peppery bite, especially if you opt for arugula.

Red Onion
Thinly sliced for a mild sharpness that elevates the flavor profile without overpowering it.

Orange Juice
Freshly squeezed is best. This is the bright base for your vinaigrette.

Olive Oil
Used in the vinaigrette to bind and add healthy fats for a silky finish.

Dijon Mustard
A touch of this adds tang and helps emulsify the vinaigrette.

Honey or Maple Syrup
Just a bit rounds out the acidity of the orange and mustard with natural sweetness.

Salt and Black Pepper
To taste, and to enhance all the other flavors.

How To Make the Healthy Feta and Cranberry Penne Salad

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Boil a pot of salted water and cook the penne pasta until al dente. Drain and rinse with cool water to stop the cooking process. Set aside to cool.

Step 2: Prepare the Vinaigrette

In a small jar or bowl, whisk together the fresh orange juice, olive oil, Dijon mustard, honey (or maple syrup), salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust as needed.

Step 3: Assemble the Salad

In a large bowl, combine the cooked penne, crumbled feta, dried cranberries, spinach or arugula, and red onion. Drizzle the orange vinaigrette over the top.

Step 4: Toss and Chill

Gently toss everything together until well combined. Chill for at least 15 minutes to let the flavors meld, or serve immediately if preferred.

How to Serve and Store This Pasta Salad

This pasta salad is delicious served chilled or at room temperature, making it ideal for make-ahead lunches, potlucks, and sunny-day picnics. It feeds about 4 as a main dish or 6 to 8 as a side.

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you’re prepping ahead, keep the dressing separate until ready to serve to maintain the best texture.

What to Serve With This Salad?

Grilled Lemon Chicken

The brightness of grilled lemon-marinated chicken enhances the citrus notes in the salad.

Roasted Sweet Potatoes

Add a hearty, comforting contrast with caramelized roasted sweet potatoes.

Baked Falafel

Crispy, herb-packed falafel offers a satisfying plant-based protein boost.

Garlic Herb Shrimp

Quick pan-seared shrimp with garlic and herbs plays beautifully with the salad’s sweet and tangy flavors.

Crusty Whole Grain Bread

Serve with slices of warm, crusty bread to make it a complete and cozy meal.

Veggie Soup

Pair with a light broth-based soup like our Zesty Tuscan Artichoke Soup for cooler days.

Fresh Fruit Platter

Balance the meal with fresh seasonal fruits like oranges, berries, or grapes.

Want More Pasta Salad Ideas?

If you’re into light and flavorful pasta salads like this, you’ll enjoy these too:

• Light Lemon Basil Pasta Salad with Chicken for a tangy, protein-packed twist.
• Deviled Egg Pasta Salad if you’re craving something creamy and nostalgic.
• Crispy and Delicious Easy Chinese Egg Rolls to serve on the side for a fun fusion combo.
• Delicious Garlic Sausage Alfredo Rigatoni when you want your pasta creamy, rich, and savory.

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest salad or meal prep board so it’s handy whenever the craving strikes.

Let me know how you liked it in the comments. Did you use spinach or arugula? Did you add grilled chicken or keep it veggie? I’d love to hear your twist!

Explore more delicious and health-boosting salad and pasta recipes on Luna Meals on Pinterest. Find your next lunch favorite!

Print

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?