Why Make This Recipe

Feta and Cranberry Rigatoni Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette is a delightful dish that brings together the flavors of creamy feta, sweet cranberries, and fresh spinach. This salad is great for any occasion. It’s quick to make, easy to serve, and everyone will love it. The lemon vinaigrette adds a zesty touch that brightens the whole meal. Plus, it’s refreshingly healthy!

How to Make Feta and Cranberry Rigatoni Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette

Ingredients:

12 oz rigatoni pasta
1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
1/2 cup dried cranberries
1/4 cup chopped walnuts
2 cups fresh spinach leaves
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
1 tsp honey or maple syrup
1/2 tsp Dijon mustard
Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

Begin by cooking the rigatoni pasta according to the package instructions. Once it’s done, drain and rinse under cold water so it cools nicely.
In a large bowl, mix together the cooled pasta, feta cheese, dried cranberries, walnuts, and fresh spinach leaves.
In a small bowl, whisk the olive oil, lemon juice, honey (or maple syrup), Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until the vinaigrette is smooth and well-blended.
Drizzle the tangy lemon dressing over your salad and toss gently to make sure every bite is perfectly coated.
Enjoy this delightful salad chilled or at room temperature, whether as a light meal or a refreshing side dish!

How to Serve Feta and Cranberry Rigatoni Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette

Serve this salad in a large bowl or on individual plates. It’s perfect for summer picnics, potlucks, or as a side at your dinner table. Pair it with grilled chicken or fish to make it a complete meal. You can also enjoy it as a healthy lunch option on its own.

How to Store Feta and Cranberry Rigatoni Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette

Keep any leftover salad in a sealed container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for about 2 to 3 days. If the salad starts to get too soggy from the dressing, you can add a little more fresh spinach or a splash of olive oil before serving.

Tips to Make Feta and Cranberry Rigatoni Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette

Make sure to cool the pasta completely before mixing it with other ingredients. This keeps the salad fresh and prevents wilting.
Try to use fresh spinach for the best taste, but you can substitute with other greens like arugula or mixed greens.
If you don’t have Dijon mustard, regular mustard can work too, just adjust to your taste.

Variation

You can add other ingredients like cherry tomatoes, grilled chicken, or chickpeas for extra protein. If you like a bit of spice, some red pepper flakes can be sprinkled on top for an added kick.

FAQs

1. Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the salad a day in advance. Just wait to add the dressing until you’re ready to serve to keep it fresh.

2. What can I substitute for feta cheese?
You can use goat cheese or even a dairy-free cheese if you prefer. Each will give a different flavor but will still work well.

3. Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this recipe is completely vegetarian-friendly. It’s packed with flavors and nutrients from the pasta, vegetables, and nuts!