Feta & Cranberry Rigatoni Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette

If you’re looking for a pasta salad that is light, vibrant, and packed with flavor, look no further than this Feta & Cranberry Rigatoni Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette. It’s a delightful blend of creamy feta, sweet dried cranberries, crisp vegetables, and a tangy, zesty dressing that makes every bite refreshing and satisfying. This dish is perfect for summer lunches, family gatherings, picnic baskets, or even as a colorful side for barbecues.

In just 20 minutes, you can whip up this salad, making it not only delicious but also incredibly convenient for busy home cooks. It’s versatile, nutrient-rich, and visually stunning, ensuring it will impress both your taste buds and your guests.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and easy: Ready in just 20 minutes, perfect for weeknight meals.
• Mediterranean-inspired flavors: Tangy feta, sweet cranberries, and fresh vegetables create a harmonious taste.
• Versatile and customizable: Add grilled chicken, turkey, or other proteins for a hearty main dish.
• Healthy and nutritious: Whole ingredients provide fiber, protein, and essential vitamins.
• Perfect for gatherings: A colorful, crowd-pleasing dish that looks as good as it tastes.
• Make-ahead friendly: Flavors develop beautifully if chilled for 30 minutes before serving.

Ingredients Breakdown

Here’s the full ingredient list with exact measurements, organized for clarity.

Pasta

• 12 oz rigatoni pasta

Cheese & Dried Fruit

• 1 cup crumbled feta cheese
• ½ cup dried cranberries

Vegetables

• ½ cup cucumber, diced
• ½ red onion, thinly sliced
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

Lemon Vinaigrette

• 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

Garnish

• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Yield: Serves approximately 4 people
Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)

Tools & Equipment Needed

• Large pot for boiling pasta
• Colander for draining
• Large mixing bowl
• Small bowl or jar for vinaigrette
• Whisk or fork for mixing dressing
• Chef’s knife and cutting board
• Spoon or tongs for tossing salad
• Measuring cups and spoons

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps for a perfectly balanced pasta salad with vibrant flavors.

Step 1: Cook the Rigatoni

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add rigatoni and cook for about 10 minutes or until al dente. Drain the pasta and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it for the salad.

Step 2: Prepare the Lemon Vinaigrette

In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, fresh lemon juice, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, honey (if using), salt, and pepper. Adjust seasoning to taste. This bright, zesty dressing will coat the pasta and vegetables perfectly.

Step 3: Combine Salad Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine cooled rigatoni, crumbled feta, dried cranberries, diced cucumber, sliced red onion, and halved cherry tomatoes.

Step 4: Toss with Dressing

Drizzle the lemon vinaigrette over the salad. Gently toss to ensure all ingredients are evenly coated without breaking up the feta or crushing the vegetables.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the top before serving. Optional: Chill the salad for 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld. Serve cold or at room temperature.

Tips & Variations

• Add protein: Mix in grilled chicken, turkey, or chickpeas to make this a complete meal.
• Experiment with pasta shapes: Penne, fusilli, or farfalle work beautifully if rigatoni isn’t available.
• Switch up the cheese: Goat cheese or aged cheddar can substitute for feta.
• Nuts for crunch: Add toasted almonds, walnuts, or pecans for texture.
• Sweet & savory twist: Swap cranberries for dried cherries or pomegranate seeds.
• Make it vegan: Use a dairy-free feta alternative and omit honey or substitute with maple syrup.

Flavor Profile & Pairings

• Taste: Tangy, slightly sweet, and refreshingly bright. The creamy feta balances the tartness of cranberries and the citrusy lemon vinaigrette.
• Texture: Al dente rigatoni, crunchy vegetables, and chewy dried fruit provide a perfect mouthfeel.
• Serving suggestions: Pairs well with grilled fish, roasted chicken, or as part of a picnic spread.

Nutritional Overview (Per Serving)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	400 kcal
Protein	12 g
Carbs	50 g
Fat	18 g
Saturated Fat	3 g
Unsaturated Fat	15 g
Fiber	5 g
Sodium	500 mg
Cholesterol	10 mg

Dietary Notes: Vegetarian; can be adapted to vegan by using dairy-free feta and omitting honey.

Make-Ahead & Meal Prep Tips

• Pasta: Cook and cool rigatoni in advance.
• Vegetables: Dice cucumber, slice onion, and halve tomatoes a few hours prior.
• Dressing: Whisk vinaigrette and store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
• Storage: Store the assembled salad in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Toss gently before serving.

FAQs

Q1: Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried?
Fresh cranberries are tart and firm. If using fresh, lightly sauté with honey to soften and sweeten.

Q2: Can this salad be served warm?
Yes, you can toss warm rigatoni with the vinaigrette and vegetables for a comforting variation.

Q3: Can I prepare this salad a day ahead?
Yes, but add delicate vegetables like cherry tomatoes and parsley right before serving to maintain freshness.

Q4: How do I make it gluten-free?
Use gluten-free pasta instead of rigatoni. Cook according to package instructions.

Q5: Can I make a larger batch for parties?
Absolutely. Double or triple the ingredients, toss in a large bowl, and serve in a colorful platter.

Cooking Timeline (At a Glance)

Step	Time
Prep vegetables	5–7 minutes
Cook rigatoni	10 minutes
Prepare vinaigrette	3 minutes
Toss salad & garnish	5 minutes

Total Time: 20 minutes

Serving Suggestions

• Serve as a main dish with grilled protein or as a side salad at barbecues.
• Garnish with extra parsley, crumbled feta, or additional dried cranberries for visual appeal.
• Arrange in a bowl for buffet-style gatherings or layer in mason jars for picnics.

Creative Recipe Variations

1. Mediterranean Super Salad: Add olives, artichoke hearts, and sun-dried tomatoes.
2. Protein-Packed Version: Toss in grilled chicken, turkey, or chickpeas.
3. Autumn Twist: Substitute cranberries with roasted butternut squash cubes.
4. Herbal Flavor Boost: Add fresh basil or mint leaves for extra freshness.

Ingredient Spotlight

Feta Cheese

• Selection: Crumbled feta adds a creamy, tangy flavor that complements sweet cranberries.
• Storage: Keep in brine in the fridge; crumble just before adding to the salad.

Lemon Juice

• Selection: Freshly squeezed lemon juice is essential for a bright, zesty vinaigrette.
• Tip: Avoid bottled juice for the freshest taste.

Pro Cooking Tips

• Rinse pasta under cold water after cooking to stop cooking and prevent stickiness.
• Whisk vinaigrette thoroughly to emulsify oil and lemon juice.
• Toss gently to prevent crumbling feta or bruising delicate vegetables.
• Chill salad for 30 minutes to enhance flavors before serving.

Storage & Freezing Guide

• Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for up to 24 hours.
• Freezing: Not recommended, as fresh vegetables and feta can lose texture.
• Make-ahead: Prepare components (pasta, vinaigrette, vegetables) separately for fast assembly later.

Nutrition Estimate Table (Per Serving)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	400 kcal
Protein	12 g
Carbs	50 g
Fat	18 g
Saturated Fat	3 g
Fiber	5 g
Sodium	500 mg
Cholesterol	10 mg
Dietary Notes	Vegetarian; can be vegan with substitutions

Expanded Conclusion

Feta & Cranberry Rigatoni Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette is a must-try for anyone craving a fresh, flavorful, and easy-to-make pasta salad. Its combination of creamy feta, sweet cranberries, crisp vegetables, and zesty dressing creates a well-balanced, crowd-pleasing dish.

Perfect for lunch, dinner, or gatherings, this salad is versatile, nutritious, and visually stunning. Make it your go-to recipe for quick weekday meals or special occasions. Whether served chilled, at room temperature, or with added protein, it’s guaranteed to satisfy and impress.

Bring this vibrant salad to your next picnic, barbecue, or family meal, and watch it disappear in no time. Enjoy the freshness, simplicity, and irresistible flavors in every bite!

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