Description
For the Salad:
2 cups cooked penne pasta, cooled
½ cup crumbled feta cheese
⅓ cup dried cherries
¼ cup toasted walnuts, chopped
1 cup baby spinach or arugula
½ small red onion, thinly sliced
For the Citrus Dressing:
3 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon fresh orange juice
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon honey
½ teaspoon Dijon mustard
¼ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
Directions:
In a small bowl, whisk together all the dressing until well combined.
In a large bowl, toss the cooked penne with feta, dried cherries, toasted walnuts, spinach, and red onion.
Drizzle the citrus dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat.
Serve immediately or chill in the fridge for 15 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Kcal: 320 kcal per serving
Servings: 4
Step-by-Step Guide
1. Cook the penne pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool it quickly and stop the cooking process. Set aside to cool completely.
2. While the pasta cools, prepare your dressing. In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, fresh orange juice, fresh lemon juice, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper. Whisk vigorously until the mixture is fully emulsified and smooth.
3. Toast the walnuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-5 minutes, stirring frequently, until fragrant. Let them cool, then chop roughly.
4. Thinly slice the red onion. If you prefer a milder flavor, soak the slices in cold water for 10 minutes, then drain and pat dry.
5. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled penne pasta, crumbled feta cheese, dried cherries, chopped toasted walnuts, baby spinach, and sliced red onion.
6. Drizzle the prepared citrus dressing over the salad ingredients. Using salad tongs or two large spoons, gently toss everything together until all components are evenly coated with the dressing.
Serving Suggestions
This versatile pasta salad is perfect as a light main course for lunch or a vibrant side dish. For a complete meal, serve it alongside grilled chicken, salmon, or shrimp. It’s an excellent choice for picnics and potlucks, as it travels well. Consider presenting it on a bed of extra greens for a beautiful color contrast, or garnish with fresh herbs like mint or parsley for an added flavor boost.
How-to Summary
Quickly cool cooked penne pasta. Whisk olive oil, citrus juices, honey, mustard, salt, and pepper to make the dressing. Toast and chop walnuts. Combine all salad ingredients—pasta, feta, cherries, walnuts, spinach, and onion—in a large bowl. Drizzle with dressing, toss gently to coat, and serve either immediately or after a brief chill.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this salad ahead of time? Yes, you can assemble it up to a day in advance. For best texture, add the spinach and dressing just before serving to prevent wilting.
What can I use instead of dried cherries? Dried cranberries, chopped apricots, or raisins make excellent substitutes, offering a similar sweet and chewy element.
Is there a nut-free alternative to walnuts? Absolutely. For crunch without nuts, try adding toasted sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds (pepitas).
How can I make this recipe vegan? Omit the feta cheese or use a plant-based alternative, and replace the honey with maple syrup or agave nectar in the dressing.
My pasta salad seems dry. How can I fix it? The pasta absorbs dressing over time. Simply whisk up a small additional batch of the citrus dressing and toss it in just before serving to refresh the salad.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid using warm pasta, as it will wilt the spinach and make the feta cheese oily. Ensure your pasta is completely cooled before assembling. Do not skip toasting the walnuts; this step is crucial for deepening their flavor and adding necessary crunch. Finally, do not overdress the salad initially. Start with three-quarters of the dressing, toss, and add more if needed to prevent a soggy result.
Conclusion
This Penne Pasta Salad with Citrus Dressing is a celebration of vibrant flavors and textures, perfectly balancing sweet, savory, tangy, and crunchy elements. It’s incredibly simple to prepare yet delivers a sophisticated taste that’s sure to impress. Whether you need a quick weekday lunch, a standout dish for a gathering, or a make-ahead meal, this recipe is a reliable and delicious choice. Enjoy the bright, fresh flavors of this delightful salad.