Name: Deliciously Tangy Feta Cranberry Penne Salad
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 300g penne pasta; 1/2 cup dried cranberries; 1 cup feta cheese, crumbled; 2 cups baby spinach, roughly chopped; 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced; 3 tablespoons olive oil; 2 tablespoons lemon juice; 1 tablespoon honey; Salt and pepper to taste

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I love making this feta cranberry penne salad when I want something fresh, tangy, and a little bit different. It combines tender pasta with sweet cranberries and creamy feta for a balanced and flavorful dish.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I enjoy how this salad brings together contrasting flavors in the best way. The sweetness of the cranberries pairs perfectly with the salty feta, while the pasta makes it hearty and satisfying. I also like that I can serve it cold or at room temperature, making it great for gatherings or meal prep.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Penne pasta
Dried cranberries
Feta cheese
Baby spinach
Red onion
Olive oil
Lemon juice
Honey
Salt and pepper

Directions

I start by cooking the penne pasta in salted boiling water according to package instructions, then I drain and let it cool.

I slice the red onion thinly and roughly chop the spinach.

I prepare the dressing by mixing olive oil, lemon juice, honey, salt, and pepper in a small bowl.

I combine the cooled pasta, cranberries, feta cheese, spinach, and red onion in a large bowl.

I pour the dressing over the salad and toss everything together until well coated.

I let it sit for a few minutes before serving to allow the flavors to blend.

Servings and timing

I usually make this recipe for 4–6 servings.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 10 minutes
Total time: about 25 minutes

Variations

I sometimes add grilled chicken for extra protein. When I want more crunch, I include toasted nuts like walnuts or almonds. I also like adding cucumber or cherry tomatoes for extra freshness.

storage/reheating

I store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. I serve it cold or at room temperature and don’t reheat it.

FAQs

Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried?

I prefer dried cranberries for sweetness, as fresh ones are more tart.

What pasta works best for this salad?

I like penne, but I can also use fusilli or farfalle.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, I often prepare it in advance and keep it chilled until serving.

How do I keep the pasta from sticking?

I toss it with a little oil after cooking and let it cool properly.

Can I make it vegan?

I can replace feta with a plant-based alternative or omit it.

Conclusion

I find this feta cranberry penne salad to be a refreshing and flavorful dish that’s easy to prepare and perfect for many occasions. It’s a great mix of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors that always makes it a standout on the table.

Deliciously Tangy Feta Cranberry Penne Salad

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A refreshing and tangy penne salad with sweet dried cranberries, creamy feta cheese, and fresh spinach, all tossed in a light lemon honey dressing.

Author: Mayaa
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4–6 servings
Category: Salad
Method: Boiling
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

300g penne pasta
1/2 cup dried cranberries
1 cup feta cheese, crumbled
2 cups baby spinach, roughly chopped
1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
3 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 tablespoon honey
Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

Cook the penne pasta in salted boiling water according to package instructions.
Drain the pasta and let it cool completely.
Thinly slice the red onion and chop the spinach.
In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, honey, salt, and pepper.
In a large bowl, combine cooled pasta, dried cranberries, feta cheese, spinach, and red onion.
Pour the dressing over the salad.
Toss everything together until evenly coated.
Let the salad sit for a few minutes before serving to allow flavors to blend.