Name: Feta & Cranberry Penne Salad with Orange Vinaigrette
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 8 oz penne pasta; 1/2 cup dried cranberries; 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled; 1 cup baby spinach or arugula (optional); 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced; 2 tablespoons chopped parsley or basil (optional, for garnish); 1/4 cup fresh orange juice; 1 teaspoon orange zest; 3 tablespoons olive oil; 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard; 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup; Salt and pepper, to taste

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Feta & Cranberry Penne Salad with Orange Vinaigrette is a bright, tangy, and refreshing pasta salad that balances sweet and savory flavors beautifully. I love how the creamy feta, chewy cranberries, and tender pasta all come together with a zesty citrus dressing that keeps everything light. It’s a great side dish or even a light main for spring and summer meals.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this salad because it’s so much more interesting than your usual pasta salad. The orange vinaigrette brings a citrusy punch that pairs perfectly with the salty feta and sweet cranberries. It’s super easy to throw together and always gets compliments when I bring it to potlucks or serve it at family dinners. Plus, it holds up well in the fridge, making it great for lunches throughout the week.

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, crumbled
Baby spinach or arugula (optional)
Red onion, thinly sliced
Chopped parsley or basil (optional for garnish)

For the orange vinaigrette:

Fresh orange juice
Orange zest
Olive oil
Dijon mustard
Honey or maple syrup
Salt and pepper

Directions

I cook the penne pasta according to package instructions, then drain and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking.
While the pasta cools, I whisk together the orange vinaigrette ingredients in a small bowl until smooth.
In a large bowl, I combine the cooled pasta with cranberries, red onion, and spinach if I’m using it.
I pour the vinaigrette over the salad and toss everything together until it’s well coated.
Just before serving, I sprinkle crumbled feta and fresh herbs on top for a bright finish.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 4–6 servings and takes around 20 minutes to prepare. It’s a great option for a quick lunch, meal prep, or even a picnic dish.

Variations

Sometimes I switch the penne with bowtie or rotini pasta, and I’ve also used goat cheese instead of feta for a creamier twist. If I want more protein, I add grilled chicken or chickpeas. I also like adding toasted walnuts or almonds for extra crunch.

Storage/reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Since it’s a cold pasta salad, I don’t reheat it. I just give it a quick toss before serving, and sometimes I add a splash of orange juice or olive oil to freshen it up.

FAQs

Can I use bottled orange juice for the vinaigrette?

I prefer fresh orange juice because it gives the dressing a brighter, more natural flavor, but bottled works in a pinch.

What kind of feta works best in this salad?

I usually go for block feta and crumble it myself—it’s creamier and has a richer taste than the pre-crumbled kind.

Can I make this pasta salad ahead of time?

Yes, I often make it the day before. I just wait to add the feta and fresh herbs until right before serving so everything stays fresh.

What other greens can I use besides spinach?

I’ve used arugula, baby kale, or even chopped romaine. Anything with a bit of bite works well against the sweet and tangy flavors.

Is this salad good served warm?

It’s best chilled or at room temperature, but I’ve served it slightly warm when the pasta is freshly cooked, and it’s still really good.

Conclusion

Feta & Cranberry Penne Salad with Orange Vinaigrette is one of my favorite ways to elevate a simple pasta dish into something vibrant and flavorful. I love the balance of sweet, salty, and citrusy notes, and the fact that it’s so easy to make. Whether I’m serving it at a party or just enjoying it on a regular weekday, this salad never fails to impress.

Feta & Cranberry Penne Salad with Orange Vinaigrette