Description
Healthy Feta and Cranberry Penne Salad with Orange Vinaigrette is a fresh and flavorful pasta salad made with penne, creamy feta cheese, sweet dried cranberries, leafy greens, and a bright citrus dressing. This healthy pasta salad is perfect for meal prep, light lunches, or refreshing side dishes.
Ingredients
12 ounces penne pasta
1 cup crumbled feta cheese
3/4 cup dried cranberries
2 cups fresh spinach or arugula
1/2 cup fresh orange juice
1/4 cup olive oil
1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the penne pasta until al dente according to package instructions. Drain and let cool slightly.
2. Whisk together the orange juice, olive oil, honey or maple syrup, salt, and black pepper until fully combined.
3. Add the cooked penne to a large bowl with the cranberries, greens, and feta cheese.
4. Pour the orange vinaigrette over the salad and gently toss until evenly coated.
5. Let the salad rest briefly before serving and adjust seasoning if needed.
Notes
This salad tastes even better after chilling for 30 minutes.
Toss gently before serving if stored overnight.
Add grilled chicken or chickpeas for extra protein if desired.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Boiled and mixed
- Cuisine: Mediterranean-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 14
- Sodium: 520
- Fat: 18
- Saturated Fat: 5
- Unsaturated Fat: 12
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 52
- Fiber: 4
- Protein: 12
- Cholesterol: 20