cranberry penne salad

I’ll never forget the first time I brought cranberry penne salad to a neighborhood potluck here in Oregon. My kids, Lila and Jack, helped me toss the vibrant red cranberries with the tender penne, and we laughed as Jack tried to sneak dried cranberries straight from the bag. When we arrived at the gathering, I wasn’t sure how this colorful pasta salad would compete with all the traditional dishes.

Within an hour, the bowl was empty, and three neighbors asked for the recipe. That’s when I knew this cranberry penne salad was something special. It combines sweet and tangy flavors with a creamy dressing that makes every bite feel like a celebration.

My late husband Mark loved pasta salads, and I think he would have been proud of this one. This dish reminds me that simple ingredients, prepared with love, create the most memorable meals. Whether you need a side dish for summer barbecues or a refreshing lunch option, this cranberry penne salad delivers every single time.

Why You’ll Love This Cranberry Penne Salad

This cranberry penne salad checks all the boxes for a crowd-pleasing dish. First, it comes together quickly with minimal cooking required. You simply boil the pasta, chop a few ingredients, and toss everything in a delicious dressing.

Second, the flavor combination is absolutely addictive. The sweet cranberries balance perfectly with savory elements, while the creamy dressing ties everything together beautifully. Third, this pasta salad travels exceptionally well, making it ideal for potlucks, picnics, and family gatherings.

Additionally, this cranberry penne salad recipe offers wonderful texture contrast. The tender penne provides a satisfying base, while crunchy vegetables and chewy cranberries add interest to every forkful. My sister Grace always says this salad tastes even better the next day, after the flavors have had time to meld together.

Furthermore, you can customize this recipe based on what you have in your pantry. It’s forgiving, flexible, and always delicious. The colorful presentation also makes it a standout dish on any table. Honestly, I’ve served this cranberry penne salad dozens of times, and it never disappoints.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering your ingredients for this cranberry penne salad is straightforward. You probably have many of these items already. Here’s what you’ll need to create this delicious pasta salad:

These ingredients create a balanced cranberry penne salad with layers of flavor. The dried cranberries provide bursts of sweetness throughout. Meanwhile, the creamy dressing coats every piece of pasta perfectly.

The celery adds a fresh crunch, and the nuts contribute a toasty richness. Everything works together harmoniously in this delightful pasta salad.

Substitutions & Variations

One of the best things about this cranberry penne salad is its versatility. If you don’t have penne, try rotini, farfalle, or shells instead. Any short pasta shape works beautifully.

For a lighter version of this cranberry penne salad, substitute Greek yogurt for half the mayonnaise. This reduces calories while maintaining creaminess.

Can’t find dried cranberries? Fresh cranberries work if you cook them briefly with sugar first. Alternatively, dried cherries or raisins make excellent substitutes.

For the cheese component, try goat cheese, blue cheese, or shredded cheddar instead of feta. Each variation creates a slightly different flavor profile in your cranberry penne salad.

To make this pasta salad with cranberries more substantial, add diced cooked chicken, turkey, or ham. This transforms it from a side dish into a complete meal. For a vegetarian boost, toss in chickpeas or white beans.

You can also increase the vegetables by adding diced bell peppers, cucumbers, or shredded carrots. My kids love when I add mandarin orange segments to this cranberry penne salad. The citrus brightens everything up beautifully.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Making this cranberry penne salad couldn’t be easier. Follow these simple steps for perfect results every time.

Step 1: Cook the penne pasta according to package directions in generously salted boiling water. You want the pasta al dente, with a slight bite to it. Overcooked pasta becomes mushy in this cranberry penne salad.

Drain the pasta thoroughly and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process. This also cools the pasta quickly so you can proceed with assembly.

Step 2: While the pasta cools, prepare the dressing for your cranberry penne salad. In a large bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, and black pepper. Taste the dressing and adjust seasonings as needed. The dressing should taste slightly sweet with a pleasant tangy note from the vinegar.

Step 3: Add the cooled penne pasta to the bowl with the dressing. Toss everything together until the pasta is evenly coated. This ensures every bite of your cranberry penne salad is flavorful.

Step 4: Fold in the dried cranberries, diced celery, chopped red onion, crumbled feta cheese, and nuts. Gently mix everything together until all ingredients are evenly distributed throughout the cranberry penne salad. Be careful not to break up the pasta or cheese too much during mixing.

Step 5: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the cranberry penne salad for at least one hour before serving. This chilling time allows the flavors to blend together beautifully. Just before serving, sprinkle fresh chopped parsley over the top for a pop of color and freshness.

Making this cranberry penne salad couldn’t be easier. Follow these simple steps for perfect results every time, and if you’re looking for a sweet treat to complement your meal, check out these creamy mini oreo cheesecake bites.

Pro Tips for Success

After making this cranberry penne salad countless times, I’ve learned several tricks that guarantee excellent results. First, always rinse your cooked pasta with cold water. This prevents it from continuing to cook and becoming too soft. Nobody wants mushy pasta in their cranberry penne salad.

Second, don’t skip the chilling time. I know it’s tempting to serve this cranberry penne salad immediately, but patience pays off. The flavors develop and intensify as the salad sits in the refrigerator.

Whenever possible, I make this pasta salad the night before I need it. The texture and taste improve dramatically overnight.

Third, reserve a small amount of the dressing before mixing. Sometimes pasta absorbs dressing as it sits, making your cranberry penne salad seem dry. Having extra dressing on hand allows you to refresh the salad right before serving. Just drizzle a bit more over the top and toss gently.

Fourth, toast your nuts before adding them to this cranberry penne salad. Simply spread pecans or walnuts on a baking sheet and toast them at 350°F for about 5-7 minutes. This enhances their flavor tremendously and adds an extra layer of deliciousness to your pasta salad.

Finally, taste and adjust seasonings right before serving. You might need a pinch more salt or a splash more vinegar to brighten the flavors.

Storage & Reheating Tips

Proper storage keeps your cranberry penne salad fresh and delicious for several days. Transfer any leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate promptly. This cranberry penne salad will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. In fact, as I mentioned earlier, the flavors often improve after a day or two.

Before serving leftover cranberry penne salad, give it a good stir. The dressing may have settled to the bottom. If the salad seems dry, add a tablespoon or two of mayonnaise or a splash of milk to refresh it. Toss everything together until creamy again.

I don’t recommend freezing this cranberry penne salad. The mayonnaise-based dressing doesn’t freeze well and tends to separate upon thawing. Additionally, the vegetables and pasta lose their pleasant texture after freezing.

This pasta salad is best enjoyed fresh or within a few days of making it. If you’re meal prepping, consider making a half batch of this cranberry penne salad rather than freezing portions.

Proper storage keeps your cranberry penne salad fresh and delicious for several days. If you want to indulge in a delightful dessert after your meal, consider making an italian ricotta pie.

What to Serve With This Recipe

This versatile cranberry penne salad pairs beautifully with numerous main dishes. During summer, I love serving it alongside grilled chicken, burgers, or ribs at backyard barbecues. The cool, creamy pasta salad provides a refreshing contrast to smoky grilled meats.

For holiday gatherings, this cranberry penne salad complements turkey, ham, or roast beef perfectly. The cranberries make it especially appropriate for Thanksgiving and Christmas meals. My family expects this colorful salad at every holiday table now. It’s become a cherished tradition.

This pasta salad with cranberries also works wonderfully as part of a picnic spread. Pack it in a cooler with fried chicken, sandwiches, fresh fruit, and cookies for a complete outdoor feast. For lighter meals, serve this cranberry penne salad with a simple green salad and crusty bread. The combination makes a satisfying lunch that’s not too heavy.

Consider pairing this cranberry penne salad with soups too. It goes particularly well with tomato soup, chicken noodle soup, or butternut squash soup. The pasta salad adds substance to a soup-based meal without overwhelming it. Honestly, this versatile dish fits into almost any menu plan.

FAQs

Can I make cranberry penne salad ahead of time?

Absolutely! This cranberry penne salad is actually better when made ahead. Prepare it up to 24 hours in advance and store it covered in the refrigerator.

The flavors meld together beautifully as it sits. Just give it a good stir before serving and add extra dressing if needed. This makes it perfect for stress-free entertaining.

What kind of pasta works best for cranberry penne salad?

While penne is traditional for this cranberry penne salad, other short pasta shapes work equally well. Try rotini, farfalle, shells, or cavatappi. These shapes hold the dressing nicely and mix well with the other ingredients. Avoid long pasta like spaghetti or fettuccine, as they don’t work as well in pasta salads.

Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried?

Fresh cranberries are quite tart and hard when raw. If you want to use them in your cranberry penne salad, cook them first with sugar and a splash of water until they soften slightly. Then cool them completely before adding to the salad. However, dried cranberries are easier and provide the perfect chewy texture for this pasta salad.

How do I keep cranberry penne salad from getting dry?

Pasta absorbs dressing over time, which can make your cranberry penne salad seem dry. To prevent this, reserve some extra dressing when you first make the salad. Before serving, check the consistency and add more dressing as needed. You can also add a splash of milk to thin out the existing dressing and refresh the salad.

Is cranberry penne salad gluten-free?

Traditional cranberry penne salad contains wheat pasta, so it’s not gluten-free. However, you can easily adapt this recipe by using your favorite gluten-free pasta. Cook it according to package directions, rinse well, and proceed with the recipe as written. Everything else in this cranberry penne salad is naturally gluten-free.

Nutrition Information (per serving)

Based on 8 servings:

This cranberry penne salad provides a good balance of macronutrients. The pasta offers energy-providing carbohydrates, while the nuts and cheese add protein and healthy fats. The cranberries contribute natural sweetness along with antioxidants. For a lighter version, use Greek yogurt in place of some mayonnaise to reduce calories and fat while boosting protein content in your cranberry penne salad.

Cranberry penne salad is a vibrant dish that combines pasta with sweet cranberries and a creamy dressing, making it a popular choice for potlucks and gatherings. This refreshing salad not only offers a delightful flavor profile but also showcases the versatility of pasta in salads, as seen in various culinary traditions, including pasta salads.