Healthy Feta and Cranberry Penne Salad with Orange Vinaigrette
I can hardly believe how quickly the seasons change, with each one bringing its own delights and memories. As the leaves begin to fall and the air turns crisp, I can’t help but reminisce about the delightful gatherings we have. This Healthy Feta and Cranberry Penne Salad with Orange Vinaigrette envelops all those fall feelings—the golden hues of autumn, the crunch of toasted pecans, and the sweetness of dried cranberries. It’s not just a salad; it’s a celebration of flavors that remind me of evenings spent with loved ones.
This simple, vibrant dish is perfect for an easy weeknight dinner or as a delightful side for your next gathering. This is one you’ll definitely want to pin for later!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This salad comes together in just 20 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Crowd-Pleasing: With a beautiful mix of flavors and textures, it’s sure to be a hit at any gathering!
- Nutritious and Delicious: Packed with fresh arugula, creamy feta, and crunchy pecans, this salad is as healthy as it is tasty.
- Customizable: You can easily adapt it to your taste preferences—swap out ingredients or add seasonal veggies.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare it in advance and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to serve; the flavors meld beautifully!
Ingredients You’ll Need for Healthy Feta and Cranberry Penne Salad with Orange Vinaigrette
- 8 oz penne pasta
- 4 cups arugula
- 1 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1/2 cup toasted pecans
- 1/4 cup orange juice
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp honey
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
How to Make Healthy Feta and Cranberry Penne Salad with Orange Vinaigrette
- Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions; drain and let cool.
- In a large bowl, combine the arugula, cooked pasta, feta cheese, dried cranberries, and toasted pecans.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together orange juice, olive oil, honey, salt, and pepper to create the vinaigrette.
- Pour the vinaigrette over the salad and toss gently to combine.
- Serve immediately or refrigerate for later.
Delicious Variations to Try
- Add Veggies: Toss in some roasted butternut squash or sweet potatoes for a heartier salad.
- Zesty Citrus Twist: Incorporate some mandarin orange segments for a juicy burst of flavor.
- Creamy Avocado: Add diced avocado for a rich and creamy texture that pairs beautifully with the feta.
- Protein Boost: Feel free to add grilled chicken or chickpeas for extra protein to make it even more filling.
Chef Emma’s Helpful Tips
- Make It Ahead: This salad keeps well in the refrigerator for about 3 days. The longer it sits, the more the flavors develop!
- Ingredient Swaps: Substitute the feta cheese with goat cheese for a slightly tangy flavor, or replace arugula with spinach for a milder taste.
- Toasting Pecans: For added flavor, toast your pecans in a dry pan over medium heat for about 5 minutes, watching carefully to avoid burning.
- Storing Leftovers: If you have leftovers, keep the vinaigrette separate until you’re ready to eat to keep the salad fresh and crisp.
What’s Inside – Nutrition Breakdown
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 280
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Sugars: 6g
- Fat: 15g
- Protein: 7g
- Sodium: 200mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this ahead?
Absolutely! You can prepare the salad a day in advance; just hold off on adding the vinaigrette until you’re ready to serve for the freshest taste.
Can I use different ingredients?
Definitely! This salad is versatile, so feel free to swap out the arugula for spinach or add different nuts and fruits according to your preferences.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Just remember to keep the vinaigrette separate until you’re ready to enjoy it again.
How long does it last?
This salad stays delicious for about 3 days in the refrigerator, but for the best texture, it’s ideal to enjoy it sooner rather than later.
Final Thoughts
This Healthy Feta and Cranberry Penne Salad with Orange Vinaigrette is not just a recipe; it’s a way to bring warmth and joy to your table this season. The blend of sweet and tangy flavors combined with the crunch of pecans creates a delightful dish perfect for sharing with family and friends. Save this Healthy Feta and Cranberry Penne Salad with Orange Vinaigrette to your recipe board so it’s ready when you need a cozy treat!
Print
Healthy Feta and Cranberry Penne Salad with Orange Vinaigrette
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A vibrant salad combining penne pasta, arugula, creamy feta, and dried cranberries, tossed in a refreshing orange vinaigrette.
Ingredients
- 8 oz penne pasta
- 4 cups arugula
- 1 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1/2 cup toasted pecans
- 1/4 cup orange juice
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp honey
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions; drain and let cool.
- In a large bowl, combine the arugula, cooked pasta, feta cheese, dried cranberries, and toasted pecans.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together orange juice, olive oil, honey, salt, and pepper to create the vinaigrette.
- Pour the vinaigrette over the salad and toss gently to combine.
- Serve immediately or refrigerate for later.
Notes
Make ahead for best flavor! Lasts in the refrigerator for about 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: salad, healthy, feta cheese, cranberries, orange vinaigrette