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Feta and cranberry penne salad with orange vinaigrette in a bowl

Feta & Cranberry Penne Salad with Orange Vinaigrette

A delightful salad featuring al dente penne pasta, creamy feta, sweet dried cranberries, and a zesty orange vinaigrette, perfect for quick meals or gatherings.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Salad, Side Dish
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Calories: 350
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 8 ounces Penne pasta Cooked al dente
  • 1 cup Feta cheese Crumbled
  • 1/2 cup Dried cranberries Sweet and chewy
  • 1/4 cup Olive oil Rich and fruity
  • 1/4 cup Freshly squeezed orange juice For zesty flavor
  • 1 tablespoon Mustard Adds tang to the vinaigrette
  • 1 tablespoon Honey To balance acidity
  • to taste Salt Essential for enhancing flavors
  • to taste Pepper Essential for enhancing flavors
  • 2 cups Mixed greens Optional for serving

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions. Drain and allow to cool completely.
  2. In a small bowl, combine olive oil, orange juice, mustard, honey, salt, and pepper. Whisk until smooth.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled penne, crumbled feta, and dried cranberries.
Assembly
  1. Drizzle the orange vinaigrette over the pasta mixture. Toss gently to coat.
  2. Serve on a bed of mixed greens if desired.

Notes

Try toasting nuts like pecans for garnishing. Add red pepper flakes for a spicy kick. Store salad and dressing separately for meal prep freshness. Experiment with different cheeses and fresh herbs.