Description
A vibrant and refreshing pasta salad with creamy feta, sweet cranberries, and a tangy orange vinaigrette. Perfect for a light lunch or a potluck dish.
Ingredients
12 oz penne pasta
1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
1/2 cup dried cranberries
1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
1/4 cup toasted pecans or walnuts (optional)
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
1/4 cup fresh orange juice
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool it down.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta with crumbled feta cheese, dried cranberries, chopped red onion, and nuts (if using).
- In a small bowl, whisk together fresh orange juice, olive oil, red wine vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper until smooth and well combined.
- Pour the orange vinaigrette over the pasta mixture and toss gently to coat evenly.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve chilled or at room temperature.
Notes
For a more substantial meal, add grilled chicken or shrimp.
Switch nuts for almonds or pine nuts for a different flavor.
Goat cheese or sharp cheddar can replace feta for variation.
For a vegan option, substitute feta with plant-based cheese or omit it.
Add fresh fruit like orange segments or apple slices for extra sweetness and crunch.
Salad keeps in the fridge for up to 3 days. It’s best served chilled or at room temperature.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-cook
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
