Refreshing Feta & Cranberry Rigatoni Salad Recipe

Imagine a sunny picnic day where everything feels just right—the breeze is gentle, the laughter is contagious, and the centerpiece of your spread is none other than Feta & Cranberry Rigatoni Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette. This dish boasts a medley of flavors, as the creamy feta dances with the tart cranberries, all tied together by a zesty lemon vinaigrette that sings of summer. homemade cranberry sauce recipe Each bite bursts with color and texture, turning any ordinary day into a culinary celebration.

As you prepare this cheerful dish, memories of past gatherings flood your mind—friends bonding over delicious food, moments filled with laughter, and the satisfaction of creating something beautiful. Whether it’s a sunny barbecue or a cozy family dinner, this salad shines bright as the star of your table. chicken salad sandwich pairing Get ready for an unforgettable flavor adventure that will have everyone asking for seconds!

Sharing this salad at a backyard BBQ led to unexpected compliments from family and friends—it was an instant hit!

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Rigatoni Pasta: Use about 12 ounces; cook until al dente for best texture.

• Feta Cheese: Crumble fresh feta cheese for a creamy tang that elevates every bite.

• Cranberries: Dried cranberries add sweetness and chewiness; opt for unsweetened if you prefer less sugar.

• Cherry Tomatoes: Halve these for vibrant color and juicy bursts in each mouthful.

• Spinach: Fresh baby spinach lends a lovely green contrast and nutritious benefits.

• Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed juice brightens flavors; avoid bottled to keep it fresh.

• Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil enhances richness; choose high-quality oil for maximum flavor.

• Honey: A touch of honey balances acidity beautifully; adjust to taste based on preference.

• Salt and Pepper: Season to taste; fresh ground pepper gives an extra kick!

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below. For more inspiration, check out this spring roll bowl recipe recipe.

Let’s Make it Together

Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Add rigatoni and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Thanksgiving side dish ideas Drain and set aside to cool slightly.

Prepare the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together lemon juice, olive oil, honey, salt, and pepper until well combined. This dressing should be tangy yet sweet—a delightful balance!

Toss in Veggies & Feta: In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked rigatoni, cherry tomatoes, spinach, cranberries, and feta cheese. Gently fold everything together; you want those ingredients evenly distributed without crushing your feta.

Add Dressing & Mix Well: Drizzle your prepared dressing over the pasta mixture. zesty chicken pasta option Toss everything gently until every piece is coated in that zesty goodness.

Chill & Serve!: Allow your salad to chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to let flavors meld together beautifully. Serve cold or at room temperature—it’s delightful either way!

This Feta & Cranberry Rigatoni Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette is as refreshing as it is delicious! Enjoy many happy moments sharing this delightful dish with loved ones. For more inspiration, check out this refreshing cucumber salad recipe recipe.

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by boiling the rigatoni until al dente. While the pasta cooks, whisk together the lemon vinaigrette for maximum flavor infusion.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap feta with goat cheese for a creamier texture or add nuts for crunch.

Storing & Reheating

Store the salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently in a pan if desired.

Sharing this dish at my last family gathering was unforgettable; everyone raved about how the flavors danced together!

FAQ

Can I make Feta & Cranberry Rigatoni Salad ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare it a day in advance for better flavor mingling.

How do I store leftovers of this salad?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.

What can I substitute for feta cheese?

You can use goat cheese or even ricotta as tasty alternatives in this recipe.

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Feta & Cranberry Rigatoni Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette

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• Author: Luna Martinez
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: Serves 6

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Description

Feta & Cranberry Rigatoni Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette is a vibrant dish that offers a delightful blend of creamy feta, sweet cranberries, and juicy cherry tomatoes. Tossed in a tangy lemon vinaigrette, this salad is perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a casual picnic or an elegant dinner party. With its colorful ingredients and refreshing flavors, it promises to elevate your dining experience and leave everyone asking for more.

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Ingredients

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• 12 oz rigatoni pasta
• 4 oz feta cheese, crumbled
• 1 cup dried cranberries
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 2 cups fresh baby spinach
• 2 tbsp lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
• 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 1 tsp honey
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Cook the rigatoni in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and let cool.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together lemon juice, olive oil, honey, salt, and pepper to make the dressing.
3. In a large bowl, combine cooked rigatoni, cherry tomatoes, spinach, cranberries, and feta. Gently fold together.
4. Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss until everything is coated.
5. Chill for at least 30 minutes before serving cold or at room temperature.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Salad
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (200g)
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 12g
• Sodium: 480mg
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 44g
• Fiber: 5g
• Protein: 10g
• Cholesterol: 25mg