Feta & Cranberry Rigatoni Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette

This Feta & Cranberry Rigatoni Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette is a vibrant, flavor-packed dish perfect for any occasion! The creamy feta, sweet dried cranberries, and crunchy toasted walnuts come together beautifully, making each bite irresistible. Whether served as a light meal or a side dish, this pasta salad is quick, easy, and guaranteed to impress!

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Jump to:

• Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Tools and Preparation
• Essential Tools and Equipment
• Importance of Each Tool
• Ingredients
• For the Pasta Salad
• For the Lemon Vinaigrette
• How to Make Feta & Cranberry Rigatoni Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette
• Step 1: Cook the Rigatoni
• Step 2: Prepare the Lemon Vinaigrette
• Step 3: Combine the Salad Ingredients
• Step 4: Dress the Salad
• Step 5: Serve or Chill
• How to Serve Feta & Cranberry Rigatoni Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette
• As a Light Lunch
• At a Picnic
• At a Barbecue
• As Meal Prep
• How to Perfect Feta & Cranberry Rigatoni Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette
• Best Side Dishes for Feta & Cranberry Rigatoni Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette
• Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Storage & Reheating Instructions
• Refrigerator Storage
• Freezing Feta & Cranberry Rigatoni Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette
• Reheating Feta & Cranberry Rigatoni Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Can I use other types of pasta?
• What can I add to Feta & Cranberry Rigatoni Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette?
• How should I store leftovers?
• Is this salad suitable for meal prep?
• Final Thoughts
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: This salad can be made in just 20 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.
• Fresh and Flavorful: The combination of feta cheese and lemon vinaigrette brings a refreshing taste that elevates your dining experience.
• Versatile Dish: Enjoy this salad on its own or as a delicious side to grilled meats or seafood. It’s great for picnics too!
• Nutritious Ingredients: Packed with spinach and walnuts, this salad is not only tasty but also provides essential nutrients.
• Vegetarian-Friendly: This dish caters to various dietary preferences, making it perfect for gatherings with diverse guests.

Tools and Preparation

To make the Feta & Cranberry Rigatoni Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette efficiently, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Pot for boiling pasta
• Colander for draining pasta
• Whisk for mixing the vinaigrette
• Large mixing bowl for combining ingredients
• Serving spoon for tossing salad

Importance of Each Tool

• Pot for boiling pasta: Essential for cooking rigatoni to the perfect al dente texture.
• Whisk: Helps blend the vinaigrette smoothly, ensuring a balanced flavor throughout the salad.
• Large mixing bowl: Provides enough space to combine all ingredients without spilling.

Ingredients

For the Pasta Salad

• 12 oz rigatoni pasta
• 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
• 1/3 cup dried cranberries
• 1/4 cup toasted walnuts, chopped
• 2 cups baby spinach
• 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced

For the Lemon Vinaigrette

• 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon honey
• 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

How to Make Feta & Cranberry Rigatoni Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette

Step 1: Cook the Rigatoni

Boil rigatoni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process.

Step 2: Prepare the Lemon Vinaigrette

In a small bowl, whisk together:
1. Olive oil
2. Lemon juice
3. Honey
4. Dijon mustard
5. Salt and pepper to taste

Step 3: Combine the Salad Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine:
– Cooked rigatoni
– Crumbled feta cheese
– Dried cranberries
– Toasted walnuts
– Baby spinach
– Sliced red onion

Step 4: Dress the Salad

Drizzle the lemon vinaigrette over the salad and toss gently to coat all ingredients evenly.

Step 5: Serve or Chill

Serve immediately or chill for 15 minutes to enhance flavors before serving.

Enjoy your delicious Feta & Cranberry Rigatoni Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette!

How to Serve Feta & Cranberry Rigatoni Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette

This Feta & Cranberry Rigatoni Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette is not only delicious but also versatile. It can be enjoyed in several ways, making it an excellent addition to any meal or gathering.

As a Light Lunch

• Enjoy this salad on its own for a refreshing and nutritious lunch.
• Pair it with whole grain bread or a light soup for a well-rounded meal.

At a Picnic

• Pack the salad in a portable container for an easy picnic dish.
• It pairs well with fresh fruits and sparkling water for a delightful outdoor meal.

At a Barbecue

• Serve this pasta salad as a colorful side at your next barbecue.
• It complements grilled meats and vegetables perfectly, adding variety to your plate.

As Meal Prep

• Make this salad ahead of time for busy weekdays.
• Store it in the fridge; the flavors will meld beautifully over time.

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How to Perfect Feta & Cranberry Rigatoni Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette

To truly elevate your Feta & Cranberry Rigatoni Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette, consider these helpful tips for perfecting the dish.

• Use fresh ingredients: Fresh baby spinach and high-quality feta cheese enhance the flavor.
• Adjust sweetness: Modify the honey in the vinaigrette based on your taste preference.
• Chill before serving: Allowing the salad to chill for at least 15 minutes helps the flavors develop.
• Add protein: For added nutrition, consider incorporating grilled chicken or chickpeas into the salad.
• Experiment with nuts: Try adding different nuts like almonds or pecans for varied texture and flavor.
• Garnish creatively: Fresh herbs like parsley or basil can add an aromatic touch to your final presentation.

Best Side Dishes for Feta & Cranberry Rigatoni Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette

Pairing side dishes with your Feta & Cranberry Rigatoni Salad can enhance your dining experience. Here are some great options that complement its flavors well.

1. Grilled Chicken Skewers: Juicy chicken pieces marinated in spices provide protein and balance.
2. Roasted Vegetables: A mix of seasonal veggies roasted until caramelized brings out their natural sweetness.
3. Caprese Salad: Fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil drizzled with balsamic vinegar create a refreshing contrast.
4. Garlic Bread: Crunchy garlic bread adds a savory element that’s hard to resist alongside pasta salads.
5. Mediterranean Quinoa Salad: This nutty, protein-rich option integrates perfectly with Mediterranean flavors.
6. Cucumber Yogurt Dip: Creamy dip served with pita chips offers a cooling effect against the zesty salad.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making your Feta & Cranberry Rigatoni Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette, avoid these common mistakes to ensure a delicious outcome.

• Overcooking the pasta – Cooking rigatoni too long can lead to a mushy texture. Always follow package instructions for al dente cooking.
• Ignoring ingredient quality – Using low-quality feta or stale walnuts can ruin the dish. Choose fresh, high-quality ingredients for the best flavor.
• Skipping the chill time – Not letting the salad sit can prevent flavors from melding. Allow it to chill for at least 15 minutes before serving.
• Neglecting seasoning – Under-seasoning can make the salad bland. Taste and adjust salt and pepper before serving to enhance flavors.
• Forgetting to toast walnuts – Toasted walnuts add crunch and depth. Make sure to toast them lightly before adding to the salad.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• Consume within 3–5 days for optimal freshness.

Freezing Feta & Cranberry Rigatoni Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette

• Freezing is not recommended due to texture changes in ingredients like feta and spinach.

Reheating Feta & Cranberry Rigatoni Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette

• Oven – Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and heat for 10 minutes until warm.
• Microwave – Place in a microwave-safe dish, cover, and heat for 1–2 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Stovetop – Gently heat in a skillet over low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about preparing Feta & Cranberry Rigatoni Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette.

Can I use other types of pasta?

Yes! Feel free to substitute rigatoni with penne or farfalle for a different shape.

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

You can include olives, cherry tomatoes, or grilled chicken for extra flavor and protein.

How should I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days.

Is this salad suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! This salad holds up well in the fridge, making it perfect for meal prep.

Final Thoughts

The Feta & Cranberry Rigatoni Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette is not only vibrant but also incredibly versatile. It’s perfect as a light meal or side dish and allows you to experiment with various ingredients based on your preferences. Don’t hesitate to customize it by adding your favorite veggies or proteins!