Feta & Cranberry Rigatoni Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette Recipe
This Feta & Cranberry Rigatoni Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette is a delightful dish perfect for a light meal or a side at a gathering. The combination of feta, cranberries, and a zesty lemon vinaigrette creates a flavorful and refreshing pasta salad.
- Author: Mia
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian
For the Salad:
- 12 oz rigatoni pasta (or your favorite pasta shape)
- 1 cup crumbled feta cheese
- ½ cup dried cranberries
- ½ cup cucumber, diced
- ½ red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
For the Lemon Vinaigrette:
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon honey (optional, for added sweetness)
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Step 1: Cook the PastaBring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rigatoni pasta and cook according to package instructions, until al dente (usually about 10 minutes). Drain the pasta, rinse with cold water to cool, and set aside to drain completely.
- Step 2: Make the Lemon VinaigretteIn a small bowl or jar, combine the olive oil, fresh lemon juice, Dijon mustard, honey (if using), minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Whisk together until the vinaigrette is emulsified and smooth. Set aside.
- Step 3: Assemble the SaladIn a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled rigatoni, crumbled feta, dried cranberries, diced cucumber, sliced red onion, and halved cherry tomatoes. Drizzle the lemon vinaigrette over the salad and toss gently to combine, ensuring the pasta and ingredients are evenly coated.
- Step 4: Garnish and ServeSprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top for garnish. Serve immediately, or chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes for the flavors to meld before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 390mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 46g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
Keywords: Rigatoni Salad, Pasta Salad, Feta and Cranberry Salad, Lemon Vinaigrette