Description
Feta & Cranberry Rigatoni Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette is a vibrant and refreshing dish that perfectly balances savory feta cheese, sweet cranberries, and a zesty lemon vinaigrette. Ideal for any occasion—from light lunches to picnics or as a colorful side at BBQs—this pasta salad is both quick to prepare and packed with flavor. In just 20 minutes, you can create a beautiful salad that not only looks impressive but also delights the palate. With its combination of fresh ingredients and unique flavors, this dish is sure to be a hit with family and friends.
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
- 2 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 rinse with cold water.
- Whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, honey (if using), minced garlic, salt, and pepper in a small bowl.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine cooled rigatoni with feta, cranberries, cucumber, red onion, and cherry tomatoes. Drizzle with dressing and toss gently to combine.
- Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (150g)
- Calories: 260
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
Keywords: Use fresh ingredients for the best flavor. Chill the salad for at least 30 minutes to enhance the taste. For added crunch, consider incorporating nuts like walnuts or almonds.