Description
This bright and zesty pasta salad is bursting with flavor and texture — chewy penne, creamy feta, tart cranberries, and crunchy walnuts, all brought together with a sunny orange vinaigrette that tastes like pure freshness in a bowl. Perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or potlucks!
Ingredients
- 8 oz penne pasta
- ½ cup crumbled feta cheese
- ½ cup dried cranberries
- ¼ cup chopped, toasted walnuts
- 2 cups fresh baby spinach
- ¼ cup thinly sliced red onion
- ¼ cup freshly squeezed orange juice
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon honey (or maple syrup)
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
- ¼ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
Instructions
1. Cook the pasta
Fill a large pot with salted water and bring it to a boil. Add the penne and cook until it’s just al dente (tender but still firm). Drain well and rinse under cool water to stop the cooking process. Set aside to cool completely — no mushy noodles allowed here!
2. Whip up the orange vinaigrette
In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the orange juice, olive oil, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until smooth and slightly thickened. Taste and adjust the seasoning — it should be bright, a little sweet, and perfectly balanced.
3. Build the salad
In a big mixing bowl, toss together the cooked pasta, crumbled feta, dried cranberries, toasted walnuts, baby spinach, and sliced red onion. The colors alone will make you smile.
4. Dress and serve
Pour the orange vinaigrette over the salad and gently toss to coat everything evenly. Try not to crush the feta too much — those tangy little bites are part of the magic. Serve immediately, or chill for 15–20 minutes if you prefer it cold.
Notes
- Add-ins welcome: Diced bell peppers, cucumbers, or roasted veggies add extra crunch and color.
- Meal prep tip: If you’re making this ahead, store the vinaigrette separately and toss just before serving.
- No walnuts? Try pecans, almonds, or even sunflower seeds for a nut-free option.
- Make it a meal: Top with grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas for added protein.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 10mg