Feta & Cranberry Rigatoni Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette

If you’re looking for a dish that bursts with flavor and is as vibrant as your summer days, you’ve come to the right place! This Feta & Cranberry Rigatoni Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette is a favorite of mine because it combines creamy feta, tangy cranberries, and a bright, zesty dressing. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or for impressing guests at family gatherings. You’ll love how easy it is to whip up this delightful salad!

This recipe is not just about great taste; it’s also about the joy of sharing good food with those you love. Whether you’re serving it as a hearty lunch or a light dinner option, this salad is sure to win hearts (and stomachs)!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This salad comes together in just 25 minutes, making it an ideal option for busy schedules.
• Flavorful and Fresh: The combination of feta and cranberries creates a delicious contrast that keeps every bite exciting.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prepare this salad in advance and let the flavors meld for even better taste!
• Versatile Dish: Serve it as a side or add grilled chicken or chickpeas for a complete meal.

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll be pleased to find that the ingredients for this Feta & Cranberry Rigatoni Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette are simple and wholesome. Gather these fresh items, and let’s get started on creating something delicious!

For the Salad

• 2 cups rigatoni pasta
• 1 cup feta cheese, crumbled
• 1/2 cup dried cranberries
• 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

For the 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

Variations

One of the best parts about this recipe is its flexibility! Feel free to get creative with these delicious variations:

• Add some crunch: Toss in some chopped walnuts or pecans for an extra layer of texture.
• Mix up the herbs: Swap out parsley for basil or mint to change up the flavor profile.
• Go colorful: Add diced bell peppers or cherry tomatoes to brighten up your salad even more.
• Switch up the cheese: Try using goat cheese instead of feta for a creamier texture.

How to Make Feta & Cranberry Rigatoni Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil on the stove. Once boiling, add your rigatoni pasta. Cooking it until al dente ensures that each piece has just the right amount of bite. Follow package instructions, usually around 10-12 minutes.

Step 2: Drain and Rinse

Once your pasta is cooked, drain it in a colander. Rinsing under cold water stops the cooking process and helps cool down the pasta quickly. This step keeps your salad refreshing!

Step 3: Prepare Your Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine your drained rigatoni with crumbled feta cheese, dried cranberries, finely chopped red onion, and freshly chopped parsley. This mixture will create a beautiful medley of colors and flavors.

Step 4: Make the Dressing

In a separate small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper until fully combined. This zesty lemon vinaigrette will bring all your ingredients together beautifully.

Step 5: Combine Everything

Pour your lemon vinaigrette over the pasta mix. Gently toss everything together until all ingredients are evenly coated in that tangy goodness. Taste your salad; feel free to adjust seasoning if needed!

Step 6: Serve or Chill

You can serve this salad immediately if you’re eager to dig in! Alternatively, refrigerate it for about 30 minutes to let those flavors really meld together. Enjoy every bite of your Feta & Cranberry Rigatoni Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette!

Pro Tips for Making Feta & Cranberry Rigatoni Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette

Creating the perfect feta and cranberry rigatoni salad is all about technique and a sprinkle of love! Here are some helpful tips to ensure your dish turns out delightful every time.

• Cook pasta al dente: This ensures the rigatoni retains a firm texture, making it more enjoyable and helping it hold onto the dressing better.
• Rinse under cold water: Rinsing after cooking stops the pasta from becoming mushy and also helps cool it down quickly for mixing with fresh ingredients.
• Use high-quality feta: Opt for a creamy, flavorful feta cheese for an irresistible taste that enhances the overall salad experience.
• Let it chill: Allowing the salad to sit in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes not only melds the flavors beautifully but also makes it refreshing on warm days.
• Adjust sweetness: Feel free to tweak the honey in your lemon vinaigrette according to your taste preference—this can help balance the tanginess of the cranberries.

How to Serve Feta & Cranberry Rigatoni Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette

Presenting your salad beautifully can make all the difference. This vibrant dish not only tastes great but is also a feast for the eyes. Here are some fun ideas on how to serve it!

Garnishes

• Chopped chives: A sprinkle of fresh chives adds a mild onion flavor and a pop of green color, enhancing both presentation and taste.
• Toasted nuts: Adding a handful of toasted walnuts or almonds provides a delightful crunch that contrasts nicely with the creamy feta and chewy pasta.

Side Dishes

• Grilled vegetables: Seasoned grilled zucchini, bell peppers, and asparagus bring a smoky flavor that complements the freshness of the salad.
• Cucumber salad: A light cucumber salad dressed with vinegar and herbs adds crispness and balances out the richness of the feta.
• Roasted chickpeas: Crunchy roasted chickpeas seasoned with spices offer protein-packed bites; they’re satisfying alongside your refreshing rigatoni.
• Garlic bread: Warm, crusty garlic bread is always a hit. It’s perfect for scooping up any leftover salad dressing on your plate!

This feta & cranberry rigatoni salad with lemon vinaigrette is not just an easy recipe; it’s also versatile enough to shine alongside various dishes or stand alone as a satisfying meal. Enjoy creating this deliciously colorful dish!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Feta & Cranberry Rigatoni Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette is not just a delightful dish to enjoy fresh; it also shines as a meal prep champion! Preparing it ahead of time means you can savor its vibrant flavors throughout the week.

Storing Leftovers

• Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
• It’s best enjoyed within 3-4 days for optimal freshness.
• Give it a good toss before serving to redistribute the dressing.

Freezing

• This salad is not ideal for freezing due to the texture of the feta cheese and pasta.
• If you do wish to freeze it, consider omitting the vinaigrette before freezing and add it fresh when ready to eat.

Reheating

• Since this salad is served cold, there’s no need to reheat it.
• If you prefer it at room temperature, let it sit out for about 15 minutes before serving.

FAQs

Here are some commonly asked questions about this delicious recipe!

Can I use a different type of pasta for the Feta & Cranberry Rigatoni Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette?

Absolutely! While rigatoni holds the dressing beautifully, feel free to substitute with penne, fusilli, or any pasta shape you prefer. Just adjust the cooking times as needed.

How can I make this Feta & Cranberry Rigatoni Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette vegan?

To make this salad vegan, simply substitute feta cheese with a plant-based feta alternative. Additionally, replace honey with maple syrup or agave nectar for a fully vegan dressing.

What can I add to my Feta & Cranberry Rigatoni Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette?

You can enhance this salad by adding grilled vegetables, chickpeas for protein, or even nuts like walnuts or pecans for extra crunch. The possibilities are endless!

How long does it take to prepare Feta & Cranberry Rigatoni Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette?

This refreshing salad takes just about 25 minutes from start to finish—perfect for a quick lunch or dinner option!

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making this Feta & Cranberry Rigatoni Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette as much as I do! Its vibrant colors and flavors make every bite special, whether it’s a casual lunch or part of a festive gathering. Enjoy creating this dish and sharing it with loved ones. Happy cooking!