Description
Bright, refreshing, and packed with flavor, this Healthy Feta and Cranberry Penne Salad with Orange Vinaigrette is a perfect option for a quick lunch, easy dinner, or wholesome side dish. Combining the creaminess of feta cheese, the sweet chewiness of dried cranberries, and the crunch of toasted pecans with peppery arugula and al dente penne, it’s a beautiful blend of textures and tastes. The citrusy orange vinaigrette ties it all together with a zesty finish, making it one of the best easy recipes to add to your collection of healthy snacks, dinner ideas, and quick weekday food ideas.
Ingredients
2 cups dry penne pasta
3 cups fresh arugula
1/2 cup dried cranberries
1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
1/3 cup chopped pecans
Salt and pepper to taste
1/4 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon white wine vinegar
1 teaspoon honey
1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard
Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne until al dente (about 9–11 minutes). Drain and rinse under cold water.
2. In a small dry skillet, toast the chopped pecans over medium heat for 3–5 minutes until fragrant. Let cool.
3. In a mason jar or small bowl, combine orange juice, olive oil, vinegar, honey, mustard, salt, and pepper. Whisk or shake until emulsified.
4. In a large mixing bowl, combine penne, arugula, cranberries, pecans, and feta.
5. Pour the vinaigrette over the salad and toss gently to coat everything evenly.
6. Serve immediately or refrigerate up to 2 days. Add greens just before serving for best freshness.
Notes
Use fresh orange juice for the vinaigrette to boost flavor naturally.
Toast the pecans for added crunch and depth.
Wait to add arugula until just before serving to keep the greens vibrant.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Boiled + Tossed
- Cuisine: American-Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 360 kcal
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 260mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 15mg