Oh, let me tell you about my absolute favorite pasta dish: Feta & Cranberry Rigatoni Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette! This salad is a delightful combination of flavors that never fails to impress, whether I’m serving it at a cozy family gathering or a casual picnic with friends. The creamy feta mingling with the tart cranberries creates a perfect balance, and the zing of the lemon vinaigrette ties it all together beautifully. Plus, it’s a breeze to throw together!
I still remember the first time I made this salad. It was a bright sunny afternoon, and I wanted something fresh and enjoyable while I grilled some chicken for friends. As I prepped the ingredients, I couldn’t help but taste-test—such a great idea because I ended up adding some extra feta and cranberries! The laughter and stories we swapped over the table combined with the delightfully vibrant colors of this pasta salad made for a fun day. Now, this dish has become a staple in my kitchen, one that I whip up whenever I want to add a splash of joy to my meals.
What’s in Feta & Cranberry Rigatoni Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette?
Rigatoni Pasta: The star of the show, rigatoni’s tubular shape creates the perfect vessel for holding onto the flavors of the dressing and the mix-ins. I like to cook it al dente for the best texture.
Feta Cheese: This crumbly, tangy cheese adds a creamy richness that complements the sweetness of the cranberries perfectly. I love using a high-quality feta, preferably from a Greek brand, because the flavor is unmatched.
Dried Cranberries: These little gems bring a delightful sweetness and chewiness to the salad. They’re packed with antioxidants too, which is a nice bonus!
Red Onion: Thinly sliced, the red onion adds a crunchy texture and a touch of sharpness that balances out the sweetness.
Cucumber: Fresh and crispy, the cucumber adds hydration and crunch to each bite. I like to peel it for a smoother texture.
Fresh Parsley: The fresh herbs not only brighten the dish with color but also bring an earthy flavor that elevates this salad to new heights.
Lemon Juice: The star ingredient in the vinaigrette, lemon juice provides a bright acidity that brings the entire dish together. Freshly squeezed is always best—trust me, it’s a game changer!
Olive Oil: I prefer a good extra virgin olive oil for the dressing because it adds richness and depth that few other oils can match.
Is Feta & Cranberry Rigatoni Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette Good for You?
Well, let me break it down for you! This dish has some fantastic health benefits and some considerations too.
Rigatoni Pasta: When consumed in moderation, whole grain rigatoni can provide fiber and B vitamins, contributing to heart health and digestion.
Feta Cheese: While feta does contain calories, it is a good source of protein and calcium, making it a nutritious addition to your meal. Just be mindful of the serving size if you’re watching your fat intake.
Dried Cranberries: Apart from being delicious, cranberries are high in antioxidants, which can help combat inflammation. Just keep an eye out for added sugars, as some brands can get a bit sweet!
Overall, this pasta salad is nutritious but should be enjoyed as part of a balanced diet.
Ingredients
– 1 pound rigatoni pasta (serves about 4)
– 1 cup crumbled feta cheese
– 1 cup dried cranberries
– 1/2 small red onion, thinly sliced
– 1 medium cucumber, chopped
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
– Juice of 1 lemon
– 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
How to Make Feta & Cranberry Rigatoni Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette?
1. Cook the rigatoni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and let it cool.
2. In a large bowl, combine the cooled rigatoni, feta cheese, dried cranberries, red onion, cucumber, and parsley. Toss gently to combine.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together the lemon juice and olive oil. Season with salt and pepper.
4. Pour the vinaigrette over the pasta salad and toss to coat evenly.
5. Serve immediately or let it chill in the fridge for 30 minutes to meld the flavors together.
Delicious Tweaks for Your Rigatoni Salad
– You can easily swap out the feta for goat cheese or even a vegan cheese if you’re looking for alternatives.
– Feel free to add in some nuts like walnuts or pecans for an extra crunch.
– If you like a bit of a kick, try adding some chopped jalapeños or a dash of red pepper flakes to the dressing.
– This salad makes fantastic leftovers, but you may want to add a splash more lemon juice before serving as the flavors can intensify while sitting.
I really hope you give this Feta & Cranberry Rigatoni Salad a whirl! It’s a delightful dish that’s not only pleasing to the palate but also a feast for the eyes. I’d love to hear about your experiences when you make it—did you add any unique twists? Happy cooking!
