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Feta & Cranberry Rigatoni Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette

Feta & Cranberry Rigatoni Salad with Bright Lemon Vinaigrette

This Feta & Cranberry Rigatoni Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette is vibrant and refreshing, perfect for gatherings or as a light lunch.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Chilling Time 30 minutes
Total Time 57 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Salads
Cuisine: American
Calories: 300

Ingredients
  

For the Salad
  • 8 ounces Rigatoni Pasta Substitute with penne or farfalle if desired.
  • 6 ounces Feta Cheese, Crumbled Can substitute with goat cheese.
  • 1 cup Dried Cranberries Raisins can substitute for similar sweetness.
  • 1/2 cup Red Onion, Finely Chopped Replace with green onions for milder flavor.
  • 1/4 cup Fresh Parsley, Chopped Basil or cilantro can be used for a different flavor.
For the Lemon Vinaigrette
  • 1/3 cup Olive Oil Avocado oil is a lighter option.
  • 1/4 cup Lemon Juice Additional vinegar can be used for different tang.
  • 1 tablespoon Honey Maple syrup can be a vegan alternative.
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon Mustard Yellow mustard can be substituted.
  • to taste Salt & Black Pepper Adjust to taste.

Equipment

  • large pot
  • Colander
  • Mixing Bowl
  • Spatula
  • whisk
  • small bowl

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil over high heat. Add the rigatoni pasta and cook according to package instructions, usually around 10-12 minutes, until al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
  2. Drain the cooked rigatoni in a colander and rinse it under cold running water to stop the cooking process. Transfer the rigatoni to a large mixing bowl.
  3. Crumble the feta cheese into small pieces and add it to the cooled rigatoni. Gently fold the cheese into the pasta using a spatula.
  4. Mix in the dried cranberries, distributing them evenly throughout the pasta and feta.
  5. Finely chop the red onion and sprinkle it over the pasta mixture, followed by chopped fresh parsley. Combine gently with a spatula.
  6. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, fresh lemon juice, honey, Dijon mustard, and a pinch of salt and black pepper.
  7. Pour the vinaigrette over the pasta mixture and toss everything together gently.
  8. Taste the salad and adjust the seasoning as needed. Serve immediately or refrigerate for 30 minutes to enhance the flavors.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 300kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 10gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 15mgSodium: 450mgPotassium: 200mgFiber: 3gSugar: 10gVitamin A: 300IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 200mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Rinsing the rigatoni after cooking is essential; it prevents the pasta from getting gummy. Allow the salad to chill for at least 30 minutes before serving for the best flavor.

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