Feta & Cranberry Rigatoni Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette

A Delightful Contrast of Flavors in a Bowl

Are you ready to embark on a culinary adventure that brings together creamy feta, tart cranberries, and zesty lemon in a delightful pasta salad? The Feta & Cranberry Rigatoni Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette is everything you need on a warm afternoon or at your next gathering! This recipe is not only bursting with flavor but is also surprisingly easy to pull together, making it a perfect choice for both busy weeknights and entertaining guests.

Did you know that pasta salads like this one can often be made in advance, making them ideal for picnics or family dinners? As you prepare this crowd-pleaser, you’ll discover how simple ingredients can create a dish that feels indulgent yet wholesome. Plus, if you’re a fan of our classic Caprese Pasta Salad featured on the blog, you’ll love how this rigatoni salad takes a fresh twist on the traditional flavors to impress your taste buds! So grab those ingredients, and let’s get started—this dish is calling your name!

What is Feta & Cranberry Rigatoni Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette?

Now, you might wonder how such a fun name came about. Well, this delightful dish essentially tells you what it’s all about in its name—feta, cranberries, and rigatoni doing a happy dance together! Isn’t it amusing how food names can conjure up quirky images? Picture a bowl of pasta frolicking with creamy cheese and fruity pops of cranberry, while a zesty lemon drizzle brings the party together, just like they say, “the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach.” If you’re looking to impress your friends or simply want to jazz up your dinner routine, this recipe is the perfect way to do just that. Why not gather the family in the kitchen and whip up this delightful dish together?

Why You’ll Love This Feta & Cranberry Rigatoni Salad

This Feta & Cranberry Rigatoni Salad is memorable for several reasons. First off, the creamy chunks of feta cheese blend perfectly with the sweet-tart cranberries, offering a flavor explosion with every mouthful. Second, making this salad at home is budget-friendly, allowing you to save money while crafting cuisine that tastes gourmet. Lastly, the lemon vinaigrette elevates the whole dish, adding a refreshing zing that dances on your palate.

Unlike traditional macaroni salads that can be heavy and rich, this rigatoni dish maintains a light and invigorating feel—making it a joyful treat at summer barbecues or casual lunches. If you’re intrigued, we encourage you to dive into this recipe and give your taste buds a thrilling experience!

How to Make Feta & Cranberry Rigatoni Salad

Quick Overview

You won’t believe how simple it is to create this delightful dish. With just a few fresh ingredients and minimal cooking time, you’ll be enjoying a delicious salad in no time! The preparation takes around 20 minutes, making it a quick and satisfying meal option.

Key Ingredients for Feta & Cranberry Rigatoni Salad

To recreate this flavor-packed salad, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 3 cups rigatoni pasta
• 1 cup crumbled feta cheese
• 1 cup dried cranberries
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• ¼ cup red onion, finely diced
• ½ cup fresh parsley, chopped
• Zest and juice of 1 large lemon
• ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Cook the Rigatoni: Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Cook the rigatoni according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process.
2. Prepare the Lemon Vinaigrette: In a small bowl, whisk together the lemon zest, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper until well combined. Set aside.
3. Combine the Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the cooked rigatoni, feta cheese, dried cranberries, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and parsley.
4. Dress the Salad: Pour the lemon vinaigrette over the salad and gently toss to combine. Taste and adjust seasoning as necessary.
5. Serve and Enjoy: Either serve immediately or refrigerate for about 30 minutes to let the flavors meld. Enjoy your vibrant and refreshing rigatoni salad!

What to Serve Feta & Cranberry Rigatoni Salad With

This beautiful rigatoni salad pairs wonderfully with many side dishes, bringing balance and variety to your meal. Consider serving it alongside grilled chicken or fish for some protein; the bright flavors of the salad will enhance the main course. Alternatively, pair it with a simple side of roasted vegetables or a warm crusty bread to soak up every last bit of that luscious lemon vinaigrette!

Top Tips for Perfecting Feta & Cranberry Rigatoni Salad

To ensure that your rigatoni salad turns out perfectly, here are some helpful tips:

• Use Fresh Ingredients: The fresher your ingredients, the tastier your salad will be. Choose high-quality feta cheese and ripe tomatoes for the best flavor.
• Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Keep an eye on your rigatoni while it’s boiling to achieve the ideal al dente texture, which holds up better in salads.
• Experiment with Flavors: Feel free to substitute ingredients like spinach for parsley or add nuts for crunch. Make this dish your own!

Storing and Reheating Tips

If you find yourself with leftovers, don’t worry! This Feta & Cranberry Rigatoni Salad holds up well. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can enjoy it cold or at room temperature—no reheating required! If you prefer to enjoy it fresh later, consider storing the dressing separately and adding it just before serving.

In conclusion, the Feta & Cranberry Rigatoni Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette is not just a dish; it’s a flavor-packed experience waiting to happen. With its simplicity, gorgeous colors, and unforgettable taste, it’s time to get into the kitchen and create a delightful meal that everyone will love. Are you ready to dive in? Happy cooking!

Feta & Cranberry Rigatoni Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette

A delightful pasta salad combining creamy feta, tart cranberries, and zesty lemon, perfect for warm afternoons or gatherings.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Servings: 6 servings

Course: Lunch, Salad, Side Dish

Cuisine: Italian, Mediterranean

Calories: 300

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Pasta and Base Ingredients

• 3 cups rigatoni pasta Cooked until al dente
• 1 cup crumbled feta cheese High-quality recommended
• 1 cup dried cranberries
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved Ripe for best flavor
• ¼ cup red onion, finely diced
• ½ cup fresh parsley, chopped Can substitute with spinach

Lemon Vinaigrette

• 1 large lemon, zest and juice
• ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil For dressing
• to taste salt and pepper Adjust for flavor

Method

 

Cooking the Rigatoni

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Cook the rigatoni according to the package instructions until al dente.
3. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process.

Preparing the Lemon Vinaigrette

1. In a small bowl, whisk together the lemon zest, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper until well combined.
2. Set aside.

Combining Ingredients

1. In a large bowl, combine the cooked rigatoni, feta cheese, dried cranberries, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and parsley.

Dressing the Salad

1. Pour the lemon vinaigrette over the salad and gently toss to combine.
2. Taste and adjust seasoning as necessary.

Serving

1. Either serve immediately or refrigerate for about 30 minutes to let the flavors meld.
2. Enjoy your vibrant and refreshing rigatoni salad!

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The salad can be enjoyed cold or at room temperature. Consider storing the dressing separately for freshness if enjoying later.