Feta & Cranberry Rigatoni Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette

This Feta & Cranberry Rigatoni Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette is a vibrant, flavor-packed dish perfect for any occasion! The delightful blend of creamy feta, sweet cranberries, and crunchy walnuts combined with a zesty lemon vinaigrette makes this salad irresistible. Ideal as a light meal or a side dish, this pasta salad is quick to prepare and guaranteed to impress your guests.

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Jump to:

• Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Tools and Preparation
• Essential Tools and Equipment
• Importance of Each Tool
• Ingredients
• Pasta and Greens
• Cheese and Nuts
• Fruits and Vegetables
• Dressing Ingredients
• How to Make Feta & Cranberry Rigatoni Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette
• Step 1: Cook the Rigatoni
• Step 2: Prepare the Lemon Vinaigrette
• Step 3: Combine Ingredients
• Step 4: Dress the Salad
• Step 5: Serve or Chill
• How to Serve Feta & Cranberry Rigatoni Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette
• As a Main Dish
• As a Side Dish
• At Picnics or Potlucks
• For Meal Prep
• How to Perfect Feta & Cranberry Rigatoni Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette
• Best Side Dishes for Feta & Cranberry Rigatoni Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette
• Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Storage & Reheating Instructions
• Refrigerator Storage
• Freezing Feta & Cranberry Rigatoni Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette
• Reheating Feta & Cranberry Rigatoni Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Can I use other types of pasta?
• Is this salad suitable for meal prep?
• Can I add protein to this salad?
• How long does it take to make this salad?
• Final Thoughts
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: Ready in just 20 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
• Flavor Explosion: The combination of feta and cranberries creates a unique taste that’s sure to please.
• Versatile Dish: Serve it as an entree or a side; it’s suitable for picnics, potlucks, or any gathering.
• Nutritious Ingredients: Packed with fresh spinach and healthy fats from walnuts.
• Make Ahead Friendly: This salad can be prepared in advance and stored in the fridge.

Tools and Preparation

To make the Feta & Cranberry Rigatoni Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette efficiently, you’ll need some essential tools. Having the right equipment will streamline your cooking process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large pot
• Strainer
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Knife
• Cutting board

Importance of Each Tool

• Large pot: Essential for boiling the rigatoni pasta evenly.
• Strainer: Helps drain the pasta quickly while rinsing it under cold water.
• Mixing bowls: Necessary for combining ingredients without spilling.
• Whisk: Ideal for mixing the lemon vinaigrette thoroughly.

Ingredients

Pasta and Greens

• 12 oz rigatoni pasta
• 2 cups baby spinach

Cheese and Nuts

• 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
• 1/4 cup toasted walnuts, chopped

Fruits and Vegetables

• 1/3 cup dried cranberries
• 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced

Dressing Ingredients

• 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

How to Make Feta & Cranberry Rigatoni Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette

Step 1: Cook the Rigatoni

1. Boil rigatoni according to package instructions until al dente.
2. Drain the pasta using a strainer and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process.

Step 2: Prepare the Lemon Vinaigrette

1. In a small bowl, whisk together:
2. Extra virgin olive oil
3. Fresh lemon juice
4. Honey
5. Dijon mustard
6. Salt
7. Black pepper

Step 3: Combine Ingredients

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine:
2. Cooked rigatoni
3. Crumbled feta cheese
4. Dried cranberries
5. Chopped toasted walnuts
6. Baby spinach
7. Sliced red onion

Step 4: Dress the Salad

1. Drizzle the prepared lemon vinaigrette over the salad mixture.
2. Toss gently to coat all ingredients evenly.

Step 5: Serve or Chill

1. Serve immediately for a fresh taste or chill for about 15 minutes to enhance the flavors before serving.

How to Serve Feta & Cranberry Rigatoni Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette

This Feta & Cranberry Rigatoni Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette is not only delicious but also versatile. You can serve it in various ways to enhance your dining experience.

As a Main Dish

• Serve chilled or at room temperature for a refreshing main course.
• Pair it with grilled chicken or shrimp for added protein.

As a Side Dish

• Complement your favorite grilled meats with this salad for a vibrant side.
• Serve alongside roasted vegetables for a healthy meal.

At Picnics or Potlucks

• Pack it in portable containers for easy transportation.
• Garnish with extra feta and cranberries just before serving for an appealing look.

For Meal Prep

• Divide the salad into individual portions for quick lunches.
• Store in airtight containers to keep fresh throughout the week.

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How to Perfect Feta & Cranberry Rigatoni Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette

To achieve the best flavor and texture in your Feta & Cranberry Rigatoni Salad, consider these tips.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh spinach and high-quality feta will enhance the flavor significantly.
• Chill Before Serving: Allowing the salad to chill for 15 minutes helps the flavors meld beautifully.
• Toast Your Walnuts: Toasting walnuts brings out their natural oils, adding depth to your salad.
• Adjust Seasoning: Taste and adjust salt, pepper, or lemon juice according to your preference before serving.
• Add Extra Veggies: Incorporate bell peppers or cucumbers for additional crunch and color.
• Make It Ahead: This salad can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge, making it perfect for busy days.

Best Side Dishes for Feta & Cranberry Rigatoni Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette

Pairing your Feta & Cranberry Rigatoni Salad with complementary side dishes can elevate your meal. Here are some great options:

1. Grilled Chicken: A light seasoning enhances chicken’s flavor while complementing the salad’s freshness.
2. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal vegetables roasted to perfection add warmth and depth to your meal.
3. Garlic Bread: Crispy garlic bread offers a satisfying crunch that pairs well with pasta salads.
4. Mediterranean Quinoa Salad: A wholesome grain option filled with veggies and herbs adds variety on the plate.
5. Caprese Skewers: These skewers provide fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil, balancing flavors nicely.
6. Hummus and Pita Chips: A tasty dip that adds creaminess and is perfect for snacking alongside the salad.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoiding common mistakes can elevate your Feta & Cranberry Rigatoni Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette from good to great. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for:

• Using overcooked pasta – Overcooking rigatoni can make it mushy. Always cook the pasta until al dente for the best texture.
• Skipping the rinse – Not rinsing the pasta after boiling can cause it to stick together. Rinse under cold water to halt cooking and separate the noodles.
• Ignoring ingredient proportions – Adding too much or too little of any ingredient can throw off the flavor balance. Measure carefully for a harmonious taste.
• Neglecting to taste before serving – Failing to taste your salad before serving may lead to unseasoned flavors. Always adjust salt and pepper as needed for perfect seasoning.
• Using stale nuts – Stale walnuts can ruin the crunch factor. Toast fresh walnuts just before using them for maximum flavor.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in airtight containers for up to 3 days.
• Keep the salad separate from the dressing if possible, to maintain freshness.

Freezing Feta & Cranberry Rigatoni Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette

• It is not recommended to freeze this salad as it may affect texture and flavor.
• If you must freeze, consume within 1 month and be aware of potential changes.

Reheating Feta & Cranberry Rigatoni Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette

• Oven – Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat covered for about 10-15 minutes until warm.
• Microwave – Heat in short bursts at medium power, stirring in between, until warmed through.
• Stovetop – Place in a skillet over low heat, stirring gently until heated.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Feta & Cranberry Rigatoni Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette.

Can I use other types of pasta?

Yes! You can substitute rigatoni with other pasta shapes like penne or fusilli while maintaining similar flavors.

Is this salad suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! This salad is perfect for meal prep. Just store the dressing separately until you’re ready to serve.

Can I add protein to this salad?

Yes! Grilled chicken or chickpeas are excellent additions if you want extra protein in your Feta & Cranberry Rigatoni Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette.

How long does it take to make this salad?

This dish takes about 20 minutes from start to finish, making it a quick option for any meal!

Final Thoughts

The Feta & Cranberry Rigatoni Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette is not only delicious but also versatile. Perfect as a light meal or side dish, you can easily customize it by adding your favorite vegetables or proteins. Give it a try; it’s sure to become a new favorite!