If you’re looking for a fresh, colorful, and satisfying pasta salad, this Feta Cranberry Penne Salad is the perfect choice. Packed with tender penne, creamy feta cheese, sweet dried cranberries, crunchy walnuts, and fresh baby spinach, it’s tossed in a bright homemade orange vinaigrette that brings every bite to life. Whether you’re preparing lunch, a picnic side dish, or a light dinner, this easy salad is both delicious and simple to make.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ready in about 25 minutes.
- Sweet, savory, and tangy flavors in every bite.
- Perfect for meal prep and potlucks.
- Made with simple pantry ingredients.
- Delicious served chilled or slightly cool.
- A colorful salad that’s family-friendly and great for any season.
Ingredients
- 8 oz penne pasta
- ½ cup feta cheese, crumbled
- ½ cup dried cranberries
- ¼ cup toasted walnuts, chopped
- 2 cups baby spinach
- ¼ cup red onion, thinly sliced
- ¼ cup fresh orange juice
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the penne according to the package directions until al dente.
- Drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside to cool completely.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the orange juice, olive oil, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper until smooth.
- In a large serving bowl, combine the cooled pasta, feta cheese, dried cranberries, toasted walnuts, baby spinach, and sliced red onion.
- Pour the dressing over the salad and gently toss until everything is evenly coated.
- Refrigerate for 15–20 minutes before serving for the best flavor. This Feta Cranberry Penne Salad tastes even better after the ingredients have had time to blend together.
Tips & Tricks
- Cook the pasta just until al dente to prevent it from becoming soft.
- Toast the walnuts for a richer, nuttier flavor.
- Chill the salad before serving for the freshest taste.
- Add grilled chicken for extra protein.
- Pecans or sliced almonds make excellent substitutes for walnuts.
- Add extra spinach if you prefer a greener salad.
Details
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: Boiling & Tossing
- Cuisine: American
- Difficulty: Easy
- Dietary Notes: Vegetarian
Notes
- Fresh mandarin oranges add extra sweetness.
- Goat cheese can replace feta for a creamier texture.
- Add cucumber or celery for extra crunch.
- Serve alongside grilled chicken, turkey, or seafood for a complete meal.
Nutrition (Approximate Per Serving)
- Calories: 390
- Protein: 11g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fat: 20g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sugar: 14g
FAQ
Can I make Feta Cranberry Penne Salad ahead of time?
Yes. It tastes even better after chilling for several hours, making it ideal for meal prep.
Can I use another type of pasta?
Absolutely. Rotini, bow tie, fusilli, or farfalle all work well.
Can I make it gluten-free?
Yes. Simply use your favorite gluten-free pasta.
How do I keep the spinach fresh?
Add the spinach just before serving if preparing the salad more than a day in advance.
Can I add protein?
Yes. Grilled chicken, roasted turkey, or chickpeas pair beautifully with this salad.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing is not recommended because the spinach and feta lose their texture after thawing.
If needed, refresh the salad with a splash of fresh orange juice or olive oil before serving.
Similar Recipes
easy Feta Cranberry Penne Salad
Ingredients
- 8 oz penne pasta
- ½ cup feta cheese crumbled
- ½ cup dried cranberries
- ¼ cup toasted walnuts chopped
- 2 cups baby spinach
- ¼ cup red onion thinly sliced
- ¼ cup fresh orange juice
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the penne according to the package directions until al dente.
- Drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside to cool completely.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the orange juice, olive oil, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper until smooth.
- In a large serving bowl, combine the cooled pasta, feta cheese, dried cranberries, toasted walnuts, baby spinach, and sliced red onion.
- Pour the dressing over the salad and gently toss until everything is evenly coated.
- Refrigerate for 15–20 minutes before serving for the best flavor. This Feta Cranberry Penne Salad tastes even better after the ingredients have had time to blend together.
Notes
- Fresh mandarin oranges add extra sweetness.
- Goat cheese can replace feta for a creamier texture.
- Add cucumber or celery for extra crunch.
- Serve alongside grilled chicken, turkey, or seafood for a complete meal.
Conclusion
This Feta Cranberry Penne Salad is an easy recipe that combines fresh ingredients with a bright citrus dressing for an irresistible meal. Whether you’re serving it at a family gathering, packing it for lunch, or enjoying it as a light dinner, this colorful pasta salad is guaranteed to become a favorite. Make it once, and you’ll find yourself coming back to it again and again.