Feta Cranberry Penne Salad with Orange Vinaigrette Delight

Are you ready to elevate your salad game? Let’s whip up a Feta Cranberry Penne Salad with Orange Vinaigrette that sings with flavor. This tasty dish combines crispy veggies, creamy feta, and a zesty dressing for a refreshing treat. Perfect for a light lunch or a crowd-pleasing side, this salad is easy to make and even easier to love. Dive in, and let’s get cooking!

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

– 8 oz penne pasta

– 1 cup feta cheese, crumbled

– ½ cup dried cranberries

These three main ingredients create a great base for the salad. The penne pasta gives it a nice bite. Feta cheese adds a creamy texture with a salty kick. Dried cranberries bring a sweet touch that balances the flavors.

Additional Ingredients

– ¼ cup red onion, finely chopped

– ½ cup cucumber, diced

– ½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved

Red onion adds a sharp flavor that wakes up your taste buds. Cucumber gives a refreshing crunch. Cherry tomatoes add juiciness and a pop of color. Together, they make the salad bright and vibrant.

Dressing Ingredients

– ¼ cup olive oil

– 3 tablespoons orange juice

– 1 tablespoon orange zest

– 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

– Salt and pepper to taste

The dressing is key to this salad. Olive oil adds richness. Orange juice and zest bring a zesty brightness that ties everything together. Apple cider vinegar adds a hint of tang. Finally, salt and pepper help enhance all the flavors.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Cooking the Pasta

To boil penne pasta, bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the penne and stir gently. Cook it for about 8 to 10 minutes, or until it is al dente. This means it should be firm but not hard. Once done, drain the pasta in a colander and rinse it under cold water. This stops the cooking process and cools the pasta quickly.

For perfect al dente pasta, keep an eye on the clock. Taste a piece before the time is up. If it feels slightly firm, it’s ready. Always remember, you can cook it a bit longer if needed, but you can’t undo overcooking.

Preparing the Vinaigrette

For the orange vinaigrette, you will need these ingredients:

– ¼ cup olive oil

– 3 tablespoons orange juice

– 1 tablespoon orange zest

– 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

– Salt and pepper to taste

To make the vinaigrette, whisk all these ingredients together in a small bowl. Use a fork or a whisk and mix until it looks smooth. Proper whisking helps to blend the oil and vinegar well, creating a nice emulsion.

Combining and Chilling

To combine the salad, take a large bowl and add the cooled penne pasta, crumbled feta cheese, dried cranberries, finely chopped red onion, diced cucumber, halved cherry tomatoes, and chopped parsley. Mix these ingredients gently.

Once combined, pour the orange vinaigrette over the salad. Toss everything together until the pasta and veggies are nicely coated.

Chilling the salad is key. Cover it and place it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to blend and makes the salad taste even better.

Tips & Tricks

Perfecting Your Salad

To cool your pasta quickly, first, drain it in a colander. Rinse it under cold water until it’s cool to the touch. This stops the cooking process and keeps the pasta from becoming mushy. You can also spread the pasta on a baking sheet to cool faster. This method helps air circulate around the pasta.

Adjusting the vinaigrette is easy. Start with the basic recipe, then taste it. If it’s too tangy, add a little more olive oil. If you want more zing, add extra orange juice or zest. You can also add a pinch of salt to enhance the flavors. Each person has different tastes, so make it your own!

Presentation Ideas

Serving this salad can be fun and creative. Try using a large, clear bowl to show off the colorful ingredients. You can also serve it in individual glass jars for a fun twist. This makes it easy for guests to grab their own portion.

For garnish, sprinkle some extra feta cheese on top. Add a few whole cranberries for a pop of color. Fresh parsley leaves also make a great touch. These small details make your salad look beautiful and inviting.

Variations

Ingredient Substitutions

You can easily change a few ingredients in this salad. For cheese, try goat cheese instead of feta. Goat cheese gives a tangy taste that works well. You can also swap dried cranberries for raisins or chopped dates. These options add sweetness and chewiness.

Seasonal Additions

Seasons change, so your salad can too! In spring and summer, fresh herbs like basil or mint add great flavor. You can also toss in veggies like bell peppers or zucchini for crunch. If you want to add protein, consider grilled chicken or chickpeas. They make the salad heartier and more filling.

Storage Info

Best Storage Practices

To store leftover salad, place it in an airtight container. This keeps the salad fresh and tasty. Always make sure the container is clean and dry before use. You can also use glass containers for better storage. They are great for keeping flavors intact. If you have extra vinaigrette, store it in a separate container. This way, your salad stays crisp and not soggy.

Shelf Life

The salad lasts about 3 to 4 days in the fridge. Always check for signs of spoilage before eating. If you see any mold, discard the salad right away. Another sign is a strange smell. If it smells off, trust your nose and throw it out. Always remember that fresh ingredients have a shorter shelf life. So, enjoy your Feta Cranberry Penne Salad with Orange Vinaigrette as soon as you can for the best taste.

FAQs

Common Questions

Can I make the salad in advance?

Yes, you can make this salad ahead of time. I often prepare it a day early. Just store it in the fridge. The flavors get better as they mingle. You can toss it again just before serving.

Is this salad gluten-free?

The salad is not gluten-free as it contains penne pasta. However, you can easily swap the penne for gluten-free pasta. This keeps the dish just as tasty while meeting gluten-free needs.

Nutritional Information

Caloric content per serving

Each serving of this salad has about 300 calories. This can vary based on the amount of dressing you use. It’s a healthy option that fills you up without weighing you down.

Benefits of the key ingredients

– *Penne Pasta:* A good source of carbs for energy.

– *Feta Cheese:* Provides protein and calcium.

– *Dried Cranberries:* Packed with antioxidants and vitamins.

– *Olive Oil:* Offers healthy fats that support heart health.

Serving Suggestions

What to pair with Feta Cranberry Penne Salad?

This salad pairs well with grilled chicken or fish. You can also serve it with fresh bread for a complete meal. A light white wine enhances the flavors nicely.

Ideal occasions for serving this salad

This salad is perfect for picnics, potlucks, or summer barbecues. It shines at holiday gatherings too. I love bringing it to family dinners, as it always gets rave reviews.

This blog post covers the tasty Feta Cranberry Penne Salad you can easily make. We discussed the main and additional ingredients, along with the simple dressing. I shared step-by-step cooking tips and tricks to make your salad shine. Remember to chill it well for the best flavor!

Ultimately, this salad is perfect for gatherings or a light meal. You can tweak the ingredients to fit your taste. Enjoy this fresh and flavorful dish, knowing it’s easy to make and share.