Looking for a refreshing, healthy pasta salad that balances sweet, tangy, and savory flavors? This Feta and Cranberry Penne Salad with Orange Vinaigrette might just be your new favorite. It combines chewy cranberries, crumbly feta, crunchy pecans, and peppery arugula with perfectly cooked penne, all tossed in a zesty citrus dressing.

This dish is more than just a salad—it’s a vibrant, nutrient-packed meal that works for weekday lunches, potlucks, or elegant dinner spreads. The vinaigrette brings brightness and a hint of sweetness that elevates every bite. Plus, it looks as beautiful as it tastes!

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Before diving in, let’s gather what you’ll need to make this dish seamless:

Large pot: Essential for boiling the penne pasta evenly and quickly.
Colander: Needed to drain the pasta without overcooking. A quick rinse helps cool it down for salad use.
Mixing bowl (large): Ideal for tossing all your ingredients without spills.
Small whisk and bowl: To emulsify the orange vinaigrette until perfectly blended.
Salad tongs: Help toss the salad gently to avoid crushing the greens or feta.

With these basic kitchen tools, you’ll breeze through this simple yet impressive recipe.

Ingredients for the Healthy Feta and Cranberry Penne Salad with Orange Vinaigrette

Penne Pasta: The hearty base that provides texture and structure to the salad.
Crumbled Feta Cheese: Adds a tangy, creamy contrast that balances the sweet and citrusy notes.
Dried Cranberries: Their chewy texture and natural sweetness brighten up each bite.
Pecans: Toasted for extra crunch and nuttiness, they bring depth and richness.
Fresh Arugula: This leafy green adds a peppery bite and freshness that keeps the salad light.
Orange Juice & Zest: The backbone of the vinaigrette, it infuses the salad with sunny, citrus flavor.
Olive Oil: A smooth, heart-healthy fat that blends the vinaigrette into a cohesive dressing.
Honey: Provides balance to the tang of orange and vinegar in the vinaigrette.
Dijon Mustard: Enhances the vinaigrette with a mild sharpness and emulsifies the dressing.
Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings that pull all the flavors together.

How To Make the Healthy Feta and Cranberry Penne Salad with Orange Vinaigrette

Step 1: Cook and Cool the Penne

Boil the penne pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain and rinse under cool water to stop the cooking process and bring the temperature down for salad assembly.

Step 2: Make the Orange Vinaigrette

In a small bowl, whisk together orange juice, zest, olive oil, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until well blended and emulsified.

Step 3: Toss the Salad

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled penne, arugula, cranberries, pecans, and crumbled feta. Pour the vinaigrette over the top and toss gently with salad tongs until everything is coated.

Step 4: Chill and Serve

For best flavor, let the salad sit in the fridge for 15-30 minutes before serving. This gives the flavors time to meld together beautifully.

Serving and Storing Your Healthy Feta and Cranberry Penne Salad

This salad shines both as a standalone meal and a vibrant side. Serve it chilled or at room temperature, making it perfect for picnics, meal preps, or dinner parties. If you’re bringing it to a gathering, sprinkle some fresh feta and pecans on top just before serving for extra texture and visual appeal.

To store, place leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate. It keeps well for up to 3 days. If you’re planning ahead, store the dressing separately and mix before serving to keep the arugula crisp.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I keep the arugula from wilting?

Keep the dressing separate until just before serving. You can also mix everything except the arugula in advance, then toss it in last minute.

Can I use a different pasta?

Absolutely. Bowtie, rotini, or fusilli all work well and hold dressing nicely.

What can I substitute for pecans?

Walnuts, almonds, or even sunflower seeds offer a similar crunch and nutty depth.

Is this salad suitable for meal prep?

Yes! Just store the vinaigrette separately and add greens right before eating to maintain freshness.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Omit the feta or use a plant-based feta alternative to make it dairy-free without compromising the flavor.

Does this pair well with protein?

Definitely. Add grilled chicken, salmon, or chickpeas for a protein boost that complements the citrusy dressing.

Want More Pasta Salad Ideas?

You might also like the California Spaghetti Salad, packed with colorful veggies and a tangy Italian dressing. Or give the Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Soup a try as a warm, comforting partner to this chilled dish.

If you’re looking for more protein-forward pasta options, the Delicious Beef Bowtie Pasta is a hearty and flavorful option. For something zesty and meatless, the Italian Grinder Salad packs big flavors in every forkful.

The Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta is another exciting choice that balances spice and richness, and works well if you want a hot alternative to today’s cool and bright salad.

Pin and Tell Me How Yours Turned Out

You can save this to your lunch or salad boards for future inspiration. Just hit the Pin button!

And if you make this Healthy Feta and Cranberry Penne Salad, I’d love to hear your twist on it. Did you go bold with the citrus? Add extra crunch? Drop a comment below, and let me know what worked for you.

For more salad and pasta ideas, follow my daily recipes on Pinterest @LadyPlate.