Description
This Healthy Feta and Cranberry Penne Salad with Orange Vinaigrette is a vibrant, wholesome salad made with tender pasta, peppery arugula, creamy feta, sweet dried cranberries, and toasted pecans—all brought together with a fresh and zesty homemade orange vinaigrette. Perfect for meal prep, potlucks, or light dinners!
Ingredients
8 oz penne pasta
4 cups fresh arugula
3/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
1/2 cup dried cranberries
1/2 cup pecans, toasted
1/4 cup fresh orange juice
1 tsp orange zest
3 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp honey
1 tsp Dijon mustard
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
1. Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water, then set aside to cool.
2. Toast the pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3–4 minutes until fragrant. Remove from heat and let them cool.
3. In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the olive oil, orange juice, orange zest, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper to create the vinaigrette.
4. In a large salad bowl or platter, layer the fresh arugula and scatter the cooled pasta over the top.
5. Sprinkle the crumbled feta, dried cranberries, and toasted pecans evenly over the salad.
6. Drizzle with orange vinaigrette just before serving and toss gently if desired.
Notes
Let the pasta cool completely before mixing it with arugula to prevent wilting.
Toasting the pecans adds a deeper flavor and crisp texture—don’t skip this step!
For a heartier meal, add grilled chicken, salmon, or chickpeas to the salad.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Tossed
- Cuisine: American, Mediterranean Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 390
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 280mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 15mg