Description
This Feta & Cranberry Rigatoni Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette is a vibrant, flavor-packed dish perfect for any occasion! The combination of creamy feta, sweet dried cranberries, crunchy toasted walnuts, and a zesty lemon vinaigrette makes every bite irresistible. Whether served as a light meal or a side dish, this pasta salad is quick, easy, and guaranteed to impress!
Ingredients
Scale
For the 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
Instructions
- Cook the pasta – Boil rigatoni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process.
- Prepare the vinaigrette – In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper.
- Assemble the salad – In a large bowl, combine cooked rigatoni, crumbled feta, dried cranberries, toasted walnuts, baby spinach, and sliced red onion.
- Dress the salad – Drizzle the lemon vinaigrette over the salad and toss gently to coat all ingredients evenly.
- Serve & enjoy! Serve immediately or chill for 15 minutes for enhanced flavor.
Notes
- For extra crunch, swap walnuts for pecans or almonds.
- Want more protein? Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas.
- Make-ahead tip: Store the dressing separately and toss just before serving.
- Love a creamier dressing? Mix in a little Greek yogurt with the vinaigrette.
- Best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad, Side Dish
- Method: No-Cook (aside from boiling pasta)
- Cuisine: Mediterranean-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (1/4 of total recipe)
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 15mg