Description
A refreshing and colorful penne pasta salad featuring tangy feta cheese, sweet dried cranberries, crunchy nuts, and a zesty orange vinaigrette. Perfect as a light lunch or vibrant side dish, this salad combines bright flavors and textures for a delightful meal ready in just 20 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta Salad
- 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
Orange Vinaigrette
- 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 Pasta: Cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Once cooked, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it down.
- Combine Salad Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix the cooled pasta with crumbled feta cheese, dried cranberries, finely chopped red onion, and toasted pecans or walnuts if using, ensuring even distribution of ingredients.
- Prepare the Orange Vinaigrette: Whisk together fresh orange juice, extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, honey or maple syrup, salt, and pepper in a small bowl until the dressing is smooth and well combined.
- Toss Salad with Vinaigrette: Pour the prepared orange vinaigrette over the pasta salad mixture. Gently toss to coat all the ingredients evenly without breaking up the cheese too much.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish the salad with freshly chopped parsley. Serve chilled or at room temperature for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- You can substitute pecans or walnuts with your favorite nuts or seeds for added crunch.
- For a vegan version, omit the feta cheese or use a plant-based cheese alternative.
- Make sure to cool the pasta completely to keep the salad refreshing and prevent cheese from melting.
- This salad can be made a few hours in advance and refrigerated to enhance flavors.
- Adjust the sweetness or acidity of the vinaigrette according to your taste by varying honey or vinegar quantities.
