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High Protein Feta Cranberry Penne Salad

High Protein Feta Cranberry Penne Salad - recipe card
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This vibrant penne salad combines whole wheat pasta with creamy feta, sweet dried cranberries, and a punchy lemon-Dijon vinaigrette, finished with fresh parsley. The Greek yogurt-based dressing and high-protein pasta make it a satisfying, protein-packed meal that’s perfect for lunch or a light dinner.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 oz (227g) whole wheat penne pasta
  • 1 cup (240g) full-fat Greek yogurt
  • 2 tbsp (30ml) extra-virgin olive oil
  • 2 tbsp (30ml) fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tbsp (15ml) Dijon mustard
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1/2 tsp kosher salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 1/2 cup (60g) crumbled feta cheese
  • 1/2 cup (60g) dried cranberries
  • 1/2 cup (75g) cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1/4 cup (30g) red onion, finely diced
  • 1/4 cup (15g) fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the whole wheat penne and cook according to package instructions until al dente, typically 10-12 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
  2. While the pasta cooks, prepare the dressing. In a small bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, salt, and pepper until smooth. Adjust seasoning to taste.
  3. Once the pasta is al dente, reserve 1/4 cup of the pasta water, then drain the pasta in a colander. Rinse briefly with cool water to stop the cooking process and cool it down for the salad.
  4. Transfer the cooled pasta to a large mixing bowl. Add the crumbled feta, dried cranberries, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and chopped parsley.
  5. Pour the prepared dressing over the pasta mixture. Toss gently with a rubber spatula or tongs until all ingredients are evenly coated. If the salad seems dry, add a tablespoon of the reserved pasta water at a time until desired consistency is reached.
  6. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. For best flavor, let the salad rest in the refrigerator for 15-30 minutes before serving, allowing the flavors to meld.
  7. Serve chilled or at room temperature. Garnish with additional parsley or feta if desired.

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Stir before serving; add a splash of milk or water to refresh the dressing if it thickens. This salad is not freezer-friendly due to the creamy dressing and fresh vegetables. To make it a complete meal, serve with grilled chicken breast or chickpeas for an extra protein boost.

Nutrition

Keywords: high protein penne salad, feta cranberry pasta salad, Greek yogurt pasta salad, Mediterranean pasta salad, healthy pasta salad, high protein lunch, penne salad recipe, no bacon pasta salad

Find it online: https://thehighproteinrecipes.com/high-protein-feta-cranberry-penne-salad-recipe/