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Feta & Cranberry Penne Salad with Orange Vinaigrette

A vibrant penne salad featuring chewy pasta, creamy feta, and sweet dried cranberries, all tossed in a zesty orange vinaigrette.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course, Salad
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Calories: 350
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Pasta and Vegetables
  • 2 cups Penne pasta
  • 2 cups Fresh spinach or arugula, chopped
Main Ingredients
  • 1 cup Feta cheese, crumbled
  • 1/2 cup Dried cranberries
  • 2 pieces Oranges, for zest and juice Use one for zest in dressing
Dressing
  • 1/4 cup Olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon Honey or maple syrup
  • to taste Salt
  • to taste Pepper

Method
 

Cooking Pasta
  1. Boil water in a large pot. Add a pinch of salt and penne pasta. Cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes. Drain and let cool slightly.
Preparing Dressing
  1. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, freshly squeezed orange juice, honey or maple syrup, salt, and pepper. Add the zest of one orange.
Combining Ingredients
  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine cooled pasta, chopped spinach or arugula, dried cranberries, and crumbled feta.
Dressing Salad
  1. Pour the orange vinaigrette over the pasta mixture, tossing gently to coat everything evenly.
Chilling and Serving
  1. Let the salad chill in the refrigerator for about 15-20 minutes before serving.

Notes

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. If making in advance, keep the dressing separate until ready to serve. It's best enjoyed cold or at room temperature. Avoid microwaving to maintain texture.