🍊 Mediterranean Feta & Cranberry Penne Salad
with Fresh Orange Vinaigrette
⏱ Time
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Prep: 15 minutes
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Cook: 10 minutes
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Total: ~25 minutes
🍽 Serves
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4–6 people
🧾 Ingredients
Pasta Salad
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12 oz (340 g) penne pasta
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¾ cup dried cranberries
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¾ cup crumbled feta cheese
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1 cup cucumber, diced
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½ cup red onion, finely sliced
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½ cup Kalamata olives, sliced (optional but very Mediterranean!)
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¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
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¼ cup toasted walnuts or almonds (optional, for crunch)
Orange Vinaigrette
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¼ cup fresh orange juice (about 1 medium orange)
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1 teaspoon orange zest
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2 tablespoons olive oil
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1 tablespoon red wine vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
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1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
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½ teaspoon Dijon mustard
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Salt & black pepper, to taste
👩🍳 Instructions
1. Cook the Pasta
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Boil penne in well-salted water according to package directions until al dente.
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Drain and rinse briefly with cool water to stop cooking.
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Let it cool completely.
2. Make the Orange Vinaigrette
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In a small bowl or jar, whisk together:
orange juice, zest, olive oil, vinegar, honey, Dijon, salt, and pepper. -
Taste and adjust sweetness or acidity if needed.
3. Assemble the Salad
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In a large bowl, combine cooled pasta, cranberries, cucumber, red onion, olives, parsley, and nuts (if using).
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Pour the vinaigrette over the salad and toss gently to coat.
4. Finish & Serve
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Gently fold in the feta cheese.
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Chill for 15–30 minutes for best flavor.
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Serve cold or at room temperature.
🌿 Tips for Best Flavor
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Add feta last to keep it from breaking apart.
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Toast nuts lightly in a dry pan for extra aroma.
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For brighter flavor, add a squeeze of fresh orange just before serving.
❓ Q & A
Q: Can I make this salad ahead of time?
A: Yes! You can make it up to 24 hours ahead. Store in the fridge and add feta and nuts just before serving.
Q: How long does it keep in the fridge?
A: Up to 3 days in an airtight container.
Q: Can I use another pasta shape?
A: Absolutely. Rotini, fusilli, farfalle, or whole wheat pasta work well.
Q: What protein can I add?
A: Grilled chicken, chickpeas, white beans, or grilled shrimp are great additions.
Q: Is this salad vegetarian?
A: Yes. To make it vegan, swap feta for a plant-based alternative and use maple syrup instead of honey.
Q: What if I don’t like olives?
A: You can leave them out or replace them with sun-dried tomatoes.
Q: Is fresh orange juice necessary?
A: Fresh is best for flavor, but 100% bottled orange juice works in a pinch.