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High protein feta cranberry penne salad with grilled chicken and orange vinaigrette in white bowl

High Protein Feta & Cranberry Penne Salad with Orange Vinaigrette and Grilled Chicken

A refreshing and protein-packed salad featuring penne pasta, grilled chicken, feta cheese, dried cranberries, chickpeas, and a zesty orange vinaigrette.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 portions
Course: Lunch, Main Course, Salad
Cuisine: American, Mediterranean-Inspired
Calories: 520

Ingredients
  

  • 6 oz penne pasta
  • 1 lb chicken breast grilled and sliced
  • 3/4 cup feta cheese crumbled
  • 1/2 cup dried cranberries
  • 1/3 cup walnuts toasted and chopped
  • 2 cups baby spinach
  • 1/4 cup red onion thinly sliced
  • 15 oz chickpeas 1 can, drained and rinsed
  • 2 hard-boiled eggs chopped
  • 1/4 cup fresh orange juice for vinaigrette
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil for vinaigrette
  • 2 tablespoons Greek yogurt for vinaigrette
  • 1 tablespoon honey for vinaigrette
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard for vinaigrette
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt for vinaigrette
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper for vinaigrette

Equipment

  • Large pot for pasta
  • Grill or Grill Pan
  • Large mixing bowl
  • Small bowl for vinaigrette
  • whisk
  • colander

Method
 

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne according to package instructions until al dente. Drain, rinse under cold water, and set aside.
  2. Season chicken breast with salt, pepper, and a drizzle of olive oil. Grill for 6-7 minutes per side until cooked through (165°F internal temperature). Let rest for 5 minutes, then slice.
  3. In a small bowl, whisk together orange juice, olive oil, Greek yogurt, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper until well combined and creamy.
  4. In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked pasta, sliced grilled chicken, crumbled feta, dried cranberries, toasted walnuts, chickpeas, baby spinach, thinly sliced red onion, and chopped hard-boiled eggs.
  5. Drizzle the orange vinaigrette over the salad and toss gently to coat everything evenly.
  6. Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to 3 days (keep dressing separate until ready to serve).

Notes

This salad tastes even better the next day when flavors have melded. For meal prep, store dressing separately and add just before serving. Can be made vegetarian by substituting extra chickpeas or tofu for the chicken.
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