Feta Cranberry Penne Salad

This vibrant feta and cranberry penne salad combines tangy cheese, sweet dried fruit, and a bright orange vinaigrette for a refreshing meal perfect for busy weeknights or make-ahead lunches. The contrast of textures and flavors creates a memorable dish that works equally well as a side or main course.

I first created this recipe when looking for a way to use up leftover pasta and some feta that was about to expire. What started as a kitchen clean-out became my most requested dish for summer gatherings and office lunches!

Ingredients

• Penne pasta creates the perfect foundation with ridges that catch the dressing
• Feta cheese adds a salty tanginess that balances the sweet elements
• Dried cranberries provide chewy sweetness and bright color contrast
• Toasted walnuts contribute essential crunch and healthy fats
• Baby spinach incorporates fresh greens without overwhelming other flavors
• Red onion delivers a sharp bite that cuts through the richness
• Fresh orange juice forms the base of our vibrant vinaigrette
• Olive oil emulsifies the dressing and adds fruity notes
• Honey balances the acidity with natural sweetness
• Dijon mustard helps emulsify while adding complexity
• Salt enhances all flavors throughout the dish
• Black pepper provides subtle heat and depth

Step-by-Step Instructions

Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil and add 1-2 tablespoons of salt. The water should taste like the sea. Add the penne and stir immediately to prevent sticking. Cook until just al dente according to package directions usually around 10-12 minutes. Test by biting into a piece it should have slight resistance. Drain in a colander and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool completely. Shake the colander several times to remove excess water.

Make the Orange Vinaigrette

In a small bowl, combine the fresh orange juice, olive oil, honey, and Dijon mustard. The mustard will help emulsify the dressing, creating a smooth consistency. Add salt and pepper, then whisk vigorously until the mixture becomes slightly thickened and uniform. Taste and adjust seasonings if needed, adding more honey for sweetness or orange juice for acidity.

Assemble the Salad

In your largest mixing bowl, place the cooled pasta as the base layer. Add the crumbled feta, distributing it evenly throughout. Scatter the dried cranberries and toasted walnuts across the surface. The cranberries will add pops of sweetness while the walnuts provide essential crunch. Add the baby spinach leaves whole or roughly torn if large. Distribute the thinly sliced red onion throughout, separating the rings as you go.

Dress and Toss

Drizzle about three quarters of the prepared orange vinaigrette over the salad components. Using two large spoons or salad servers, gently fold everything together from the bottom up, being careful not to crush the feta or spinach. Continue tossing until all ingredients are evenly coated with dressing. Add remaining dressing if needed, tasting as you go. Let the salad rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.

Bookmark

The toasted walnuts are truly the unsung hero of this dish. I discovered their importance when I once forgot to add them and the salad lacked that essential textural contrast. My daughter now helps me toast them, carefully watching as they turn golden and release their nutty aroma that signals perfect doneness.

Make It Your Own

This salad welcomes endless variations based on what you have available. Try swapping the penne for farfalle or rotini, or use goat cheese instead of feta for a creamier texture. For a protein boost, add grilled chicken or chickpeas. Vegetable additions like roasted bell peppers or cucumber chunks work beautifully too. The recipe is incredibly forgiving and adaptable to your preferences.

Storage Tips

This salad keeps remarkably well in the refrigerator for up to three days when stored in an airtight container. The flavors actually improve after a few hours as they meld together. If making ahead for meal prep, consider keeping the spinach separate until ready to eat to maintain its texture. Allow the salad to come to room temperature for about 15 minutes before serving from the refrigerator for the best flavor experience.

Seasonal Adaptations

During summer months, add fresh berries or stone fruit for an extra seasonal touch. In fall, roasted butternut squash cubes make a delicious addition. Winter versions benefit from segmented blood oranges or grapefruit. Spring calls for tender asparagus tips or fresh peas. The orange vinaigrette works beautifully year-round, making this a truly versatile recipe for any season.

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the components up to 24 hours ahead. Cook and cool the pasta, make the dressing, and prep the vegetables. Store everything separately in the refrigerator. Combine and toss just before serving to maintain optimal texture and freshness.

→ What can I substitute for feta cheese?

Goat cheese works wonderfully as a substitute with its similar tangy profile. For a milder option, try fresh mozzarella pearls. If you prefer a dairy-free version, firm tofu crumbled and marinated in lemon juice and herbs provides a similar texture.

→ How long will leftovers keep in the refrigerator?

Leftovers will keep well for 2-3 days in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The spinach may wilt slightly, but the flavors often improve as they meld together. Give it a quick toss before serving again.

→ Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! While penne works well for catching the dressing, other short pasta shapes like bow ties (farfalle), rotini, or fusilli are excellent alternatives. For a healthier option, whole wheat or gluten-free pasta varieties work beautifully.

→ What protein would pair well with this salad?

This versatile salad pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken, salmon, or shrimp for added protein. For vegetarian options, chickpeas or white beans make excellent additions that complement the existing flavors while boosting the protein content.

→ How can I adjust the sweetness of the dressing?

The sweetness can be easily adjusted to your preference. For a sweeter dressing, add an extra teaspoon of honey. If you prefer less sweetness, reduce the honey to 1-2 teaspoons or substitute with maple syrup for a different flavor profile.