Go Back

Feta & Cranberry Rigatoni Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette

A refreshing summer salad featuring rigatoni pasta, creamy feta, sweet cranberries, and a zesty lemon vinaigrette, perfect for gatherings.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Salad, Side
Cuisine: American, Mediterranean
Calories: 320

Ingredients
  

Pasta and Salad Base
  • 8 oz rigatoni pasta
  • 1 cup feta cheese, crumbled
  • 1 cup dried cranberries
  • 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
Dressing
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Method
 

Cooking the Pasta
  1. In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the rigatoni and cook according to package instructions, about 10-12 minutes, until al dente. Drain the pasta and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process.
Preparing the Dressing
  1. In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper until well combined.
Combining Ingredients
  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled rigatoni, feta cheese, dried cranberries, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and fresh parsley.
Dressing the Salad
  1. Pour the lemon vinaigrette over the salad and toss gently to combine all the ingredients evenly.
Final Touch
  1. Give the salad a taste and adjust seasoning if necessary, adding more salt, pepper, or lemon juice to your liking.
  2. Let the salad sit for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together before serving. Enjoy your fresh and colorful creation!

Notes

For substitutions, consider goat cheese or a plant-based alternative. Best served fresh; store in an airtight container and consume within 3 days. Add olive oil or lemon juice to refresh leftovers.