Description
This healthy feta and cranberry penne salad with orange vinaigrette is a vibrant, refreshing dish perfect for meal prep or light lunches. Packed with feta cheese, dried cranberries, and a zesty homemade orange vinaigrette, this easy pasta salad combines wholesome ingredients with bold flavor. Great as a vegetarian main or colorful side dish!
Ingredients
200g penne pasta
100g crumbled feta cheese
60g dried cranberries
2 cups fresh baby spinach or arugula
1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
1/4 cup fresh orange juice
3 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
1. Boil a pot of salted water and cook the penne pasta until al dente. Drain and rinse with cool water, then set aside to cool.
2. In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the orange juice, olive oil, Dijon mustard, honey or maple syrup, salt, and pepper to make the vinaigrette.
3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked penne, feta cheese, cranberries, spinach or arugula, and red onion.
4. Pour the vinaigrette over the salad and gently toss until well combined.
5. Chill for at least 15 minutes before serving to let the flavors meld, or serve immediately.
6. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Notes
This salad is delicious served cold or at room temperature.
Make the vinaigrette ahead and store separately for best texture.
Perfect for picnics, meal prep, and quick weeknight dinners.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Boiled pasta and mixed salad
- Cuisine: Mediterranean-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 390
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 25mg