Feta & Cranberry Rigatoni Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette Recipe
A refreshing and easy-to-make Feta & Cranberry Rigatoni Salad tossed in a zesty lemon vinaigrette. This pasta salad combines the salty creaminess of feta cheese with the sweet tartness of dried cranberries, complemented by fresh parsley and a vibrant lemon dressing—perfect as a light lunch or side dish.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta & Cheese
- 2 cups rigatoni pasta
- 1 cup feta cheese, crumbled
Fruits & Vegetables
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
Dressing
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon honey
- 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Boil the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil on the stove. Add the rigatoni pasta and cook according to the package instructions, typically 10 to 12 minutes, until al dente.
- Drain and cool the pasta: Once cooked, drain the pasta in a colander and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and prevent mushiness. Allow it to drain completely and transfer to a large mixing bowl.
- Prepare the cheese and mix-ins: Crumble the feta cheese into small pieces and add to the bowl. Measure and add the dried cranberries, finely chopped red onion, and chopped fresh parsley to the bowl as well.
- Make the lemon vinaigrette: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper until fully combined and emulsified.
- Toss the salad: Pour the lemon vinaigrette over the pasta mixture and gently toss until all ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing.
- Adjust seasoning: Taste the salad and add additional salt or pepper if needed to balance the flavors.
- Serve or chill: Serve immediately as a fresh salad or refrigerate for about 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Enjoy chilled or at room temperature.
Notes
- Rinsing pasta under cold water helps prevent it from becoming mushy and stops further cooking.
- You can substitute the feta cheese with goat cheese for a creamier texture.
- Adjust the sweetness or tanginess of the dressing by adding more honey or lemon juice to your preference.
- For added crunch, consider incorporating toasted nuts such as walnuts or almonds.
- This salad can be prepared a day ahead but is best eaten within 2 days for optimal freshness.
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