Refreshing Feta and Cranberry Penne Salad with Easy Homemade Orange Vinaigrette
Refreshing Feta and Cranberry Penne Salad with Easy Homemade Orange Vinaigrette is a vibrant and delicious dish that’s perfect for any occasion. This salad features tender penne pasta tossed with crumbled feta cheese, tart dried cranberries, and fresh parsley, all drizzled with a zesty homemade orange vinaigrette. Not only is it quick to prepare—taking just 25 minutes—but its bright flavors and satisfying textures make it an ideal choice for potlucks, light lunches, or as a colorful side dish at gatherings. Chill the salad to allow the flavors to meld beautifully, ensuring it’s a hit every time.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 ounces penne pasta
- 1 cup crumbled feta cheese
- ½ cup dried cranberries
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
- ½ cup freshly squeezed orange juice
- ⅓ cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
Instructions
- Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together orange juice, olive oil, honey, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta, feta cheese, cranberries, and parsley. Pour the vinaigrette over the salad and toss gently to combine.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (250g)
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 15mg