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Feta & Cranberry Rigatoni Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette

Fresh Feta & Cranberry Rigatoni Salad with Zesty Lemon Vinaigrette

Enjoy a vibrant Feta & Cranberry Rigatoni Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette, combining creamy feta, sweet cranberries, and a refreshing dressing.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Chill Time 30 minutes
Total Time 52 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Pasta
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Calories: 320

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 8 ounces Rigatoni Pasta use gluten-free pasta for a gluten-free option
For the Salad
  • 1 cup Feta Cheese replace with goat cheese or omit for dairy-free
  • 1 cup Dried Cranberries fresh pomegranate seeds can be a substitute
  • 1/4 cup Toasted Pine Nuts sunflower seeds can be used for a nut-free version
  • 1/4 cup Red Onion swap for green onions for a milder flavor
  • 2 cups Baby Spinach try arugula for a peppery twist
For the Vinaigrette
  • 2 tablespoons Lemon Zest
  • 3 tablespoons Lemon Juice lime juice can be an alternative
  • 1/4 cup Olive Oil any neutral oil will work but olive enhances flavor
  • 1 tablespoon Honey substitute maple syrup for a vegan option
  • to taste Salt
  • to taste Pepper

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • colander
  • mixing bowl
  • Whisk

Method
 

Cooking Instructions
  1. Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, add the rigatoni and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, which usually takes about 10 to 12 minutes. Drain the pasta in a colander and rinse it under cold water to cool.
  2. In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, olive oil, honey, salt, and pepper. Allow the vinaigrette to rest while you prepare the salad ingredients.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled rigatoni, crumbled feta cheese, dried cranberries, toasted pine nuts, and chopped red onion. Gently toss these ingredients together.
  4. Carefully fold in the baby spinach and lemon zest into the rigatoni mixture just before adding the vinaigrette.
  5. Pour the prepared lemon vinaigrette over the salad mixture and toss until all ingredients are evenly coated.
  6. Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
  7. Gently toss the chilled salad before serving and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if desired.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 320kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 10gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 5gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 15mgSodium: 450mgPotassium: 350mgFiber: 4gSugar: 8gVitamin A: 20IUVitamin C: 30mgCalcium: 15mgIron: 10mg

Notes

This salad stores well in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Add spinach just before serving to maintain its freshness.

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