Description
Feta & Cranberry Rigatoni Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette is a bright and flavorful pasta salad that perfectly combines savory feta cheese, tangy cranberries, and a zesty lemon vinaigrette. This dish is ideal for a light lunch, picnic, or as a side at BBQs and potlucks. With a balance of sweet, salty, and tangy flavors, it’s sure to be a crowd favorite!
Ingredients
For the Salad:
- 12 oz rigatoni pasta (or your favorite pasta shape)
- 1 cup crumbled feta cheese
- ½ cup dried cranberries
- ½ cup cucumber, diced
- ½ red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
For the Lemon Vinaigrette:
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon honey (optional, for added sweetness)
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
-
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Add the rigatoni pasta and cook according to package instructions, until al dente (usually about 10 minutes).
Drain the pasta, rinse with cold water to cool, and set aside to drain completely.Step 2: Make the Lemon Vinaigrette
In a small bowl or jar, combine the olive oil, fresh lemon juice, Dijon mustard, honey (if using), minced garlic, salt, and pepper.
Whisk together until the vinaigrette is emulsified and smooth. Set aside.Step 3: Assemble the Salad
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled rigatoni, crumbled feta, dried cranberries, diced cucumber, sliced red onion, and halved cherry tomatoes.
Drizzle the lemon vinaigrette over the salad and toss gently to combine, ensuring the pasta and ingredients are evenly coated.Step 4: Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top for garnish.
Serve immediately, or chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes for the flavors to meld before serving.
Notes
- Make Ahead: This pasta salad can be made up to a day ahead of time. The flavors will improve as it sits in the fridge.
- Variations: Feel free to add roasted vegetables, nuts, or even grilled chicken to make this salad more filling.
- Dressing Adjustments: Adjust the sweetness or acidity of the dressing by adding more honey or lemon juice to suit your taste preferences.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad, Side Dish, Pasta Salad
- Method: Boiling, Mixing
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (based on 6 servings)
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 27g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 27g
- Cholesterol: 20mg