Description

Feta & Cranberry Rigatoni Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette is a vibrant and refreshing dish that beautifully combines the savory creaminess of feta cheese with the sweet tang of cranberries, all brought together by a zesty lemon vinaigrette. This salad is perfect for any occasion—be it a light lunch, picnic, or as an eye-catching side dish at barbecues and potlucks. With its balance of flavors and nutritious ingredients like cucumbers and cherry tomatoes, it’s not only delicious but also a wholesome choice. Easy to prepare and even better when made ahead, this delightful pasta salad will quickly become a favorite in your meal rotation.

Ingredients

Scale

12 oz rigatoni pasta
1 cup crumbled feta cheese
½ cup dried cranberries
½ cup diced cucumber
½ red onion, thinly sliced
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
3 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon honey (optional)
1 garlic clove, minced
Salt and pepper, to taste
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped

Instructions

Cook rigatoni in salted boiling water until al dente (about 10 minutes). Drain and cool under cold water.
In a bowl or jar, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, honey (if using), minced garlic, salt, and pepper until smooth.
In a large mixing bowl, combine cooled pasta with feta cheese, cranberries, cucumber, onion, and cherry tomatoes. Drizzle with vinaigrette and toss gently.
Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.

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

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 320
Sugar: 9g
Sodium: 410mg
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Unsaturated Fat: 8g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 38g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 10g
Cholesterol: 25mg

Keywords: For added flavor, chill the salad in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving. Feel free to incorporate other veggies or proteins like grilled chicken or chickpeas.