Irresistible Feta & Cranberry Rigatoni Salad Recipe

The tangy burst of feta cheese mixed with the sweet zing of cranberries in a luscious rigatoni salad is pure magic. Each bite dances with flavor, making it an unforgettable dish that’s perfect for any occasion.

Imagine tossing this vibrant Feta & Cranberry Rigatoni Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette together during a sunny picnic or at a lively backyard barbecue. parmesan linguine with meatballs The aroma alone will have everyone rushing to your table, eager to dive into this delicious creation. garlic chilli noodles.

I distinctly remember the first time I served this salad at my cousin’s wedding. The guests couldn’t stop raving about how refreshing it was!

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Rigatoni Pasta: Choose high-quality pasta; its ridges hold the sauce beautifully.

• Feta Cheese: Crumble fresh feta for creaminess; avoid pre-crumbled varieties for better flavor.

• Cranberries: Use dried cranberries for a sweet touch that balances the feta’s saltiness.

• Cherry Tomatoes: Bright and juicy, halved cherry tomatoes add freshness and color to the salad.

• Cucumber: Crisp cucumber slices give a refreshing crunch—opt for English cucumbers if possible.

• Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice brightens the entire dish; bottled juice just won’t cut it here.

• Olive Oil: Use extra-virgin olive oil to enhance flavor; it’s worth the splurge!

• Fresh Herbs (Basil or Parsley): Fresh herbs elevate the dish; choose based on your personal preference or what’s available.

• Salt and Pepper: Essential seasoning—don’t skip these; they enhance all the flavors beautifully.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below. For more inspiration, check out this Stuffed Mini Pumpkins Recipe recipe.

Let’s Make it Together

Cook the Pasta: Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. Add rigatoni and cook until al dente, usually around 10-12 minutes. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool.

Prepare the Vegetables: While your pasta cools, chop cherry tomatoes and cucumber into bite-sized pieces. delicious spinach tomato pasta This adds texture and vibrant colors to your salad.

Mix the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper until well combined. This zesty vinaigrette is what brings everything together!

Toss Everything Together: In a large mixing bowl, combine cooled pasta, chopped vegetables, crumbled feta, and dried cranberries. Drizzle with lemon vinaigrette and toss gently until everything is evenly coated.

Add Fresh Herbs: Finish by sprinkling chopped fresh herbs over the top. They not only add flavor but also make your salad look like it came straight from a gourmet kitchen.

Serve and Enjoy!: Serve immediately or chill in the fridge for about an hour to let flavors meld together beautifully. Your tasty masterpiece is ready to impress!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by boiling the rigatoni until al dente, then prepare the lemon vinaigrette while it cools. Toss everything together for maximum flavor absorption.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out cranberries for pomegranate seeds or add grilled chicken for a protein boost. cowboy butter chicken recipe Customize it however you like!

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. For best results, enjoy cold straight from the fridge.

Cooking this salad reminds me of sunny afternoons spent with friends, laughing over good food and even better company. It’s these moments that make cooking worthwhile!

FAQ

Can I use different pasta shapes for this dish?

Absolutely! Any pasta shape you prefer will work just fine in this salad.

How long can I store the Feta & Cranberry Rigatoni Salad?

For more inspiration, check out this Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey recipe.

You can store it in the fridge for up to three days without losing flavor.

Is there a vegan option for this recipe?

Yes! Substitute the feta cheese with tofu or a vegan cheese alternative for a similar taste.

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Feta & Cranberry Rigatoni Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette

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• Author: Jessica
• Total Time: 27 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4

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Description

Feta & Cranberry Rigatoni Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette is a delightful dish that combines tangy feta cheese and sweet cranberries with al dente rigatoni pasta. This vibrant salad is perfect for picnics, barbecues, or as a refreshing side at any gathering. With its colorful presentation and burst of flavors, it will surely impress your guests! Easy to prepare and customizable, this salad is both a feast for the eyes and the palate.

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Ingredients

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• 8 oz rigatoni pasta
• 1 cup crumbled feta cheese
• 1 cup dried cranberries
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cucumber, diced
• 3 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
• Fresh herbs (basil or parsley), chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Cook the rigatoni in salted boiling water until al dente (10-12 minutes). Drain and rinse with cold water.
2. While the pasta cools, chop cherry tomatoes and cucumber into bite-sized pieces.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper to create the vinaigrette.
4. In a large mixing bowl, combine cooled pasta, chopped vegetables, feta cheese, and cranberries. Drizzle with vinaigrette and toss gently until well coated.
5. Top with fresh herbs before serving. Chill for an hour for enhanced flavors if desired.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Category: Salad
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (200g)
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 20g
• Sodium: 400mg
• Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fiber: 4g
• Protein: 10g
• Cholesterol: 30mg