The first bite of Creamy Feta and Cranberry Rigatoni Salad Tossed in Zesty Lemon Vinaigrette Dressing is like a hug from your favorite food. The creamy feta melts into the tangy dressing, creating a delightful dance of flavors that tickle your taste buds. Turkey melt sliders with cranberry aioli Imagine the crunch of fresh vegetables mingling with the sweetness of cranberries—it’s a summer picnic in every forkful! For more inspiration, check out this Lemon Cheesecake Squares recipe.

This dish resonates with memories of sunny afternoons spent with friends, sharing stories and laughter over heaping bowls of pasta salad. Whether it’s a barbecue, a family reunion, or just a casual weeknight dinner, this creamy rigatoni salad is always the star on the table. savory chicken linguine.

I once brought this luscious salad to a potluck, and my friends declared it the “life of the party.”

this recipe

Essential Ingredients

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

• Rigatoni Pasta: Choose sturdy rigatoni for its ability to hold onto all that creamy goodness.

• Creamy Feta Cheese: Opt for crumbled feta for its rich flavor that blends beautifully with pasta. For more inspiration, check out this Watermelon Feta Salad recipe.

• Dried Cranberries: Sweet and tangy cranberries add delightful bursts of flavor in each bite.

• Fresh Spinach: Select vibrant baby spinach leaves for their tender texture and bright color.

• Cherry Tomatoes: Juicy cherry tomatoes bring freshness and a pop of color to the dish.

• Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice enhances the zing and balances the creaminess perfectly.

• Olive Oil: Use high-quality extra virgin olive oil for the best flavor in your vinaigrette.

• Honey: A touch of honey adds sweetness to counterbalance the tartness of cranberries and lemon.

• Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance all the flavors in your salad.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below. cheesy stuffed flank steak.

Let’s Make it Together

Cook the Pasta: Begin by boiling salted water in a large pot. Add rigatoni and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually around 10-12 minutes.

Prepare the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together fresh lemon juice, olive oil, honey, salt, and pepper until combined. This zesty vinaigrette will brighten up your salad.

Toss in Ingredients: Drain the pasta and let it cool slightly before combining it with spinach, feta cheese, dried cranberries, and halved cherry tomatoes in a large bowl.

Add Dressing and Mix Well: Pour your prepared dressing over the pasta mixture. Gently toss everything together using two spoons until all ingredients are evenly coated.

Chill Before Serving (Optional): For optimal flavor melding, cover your salad with plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes before serving.

This Creamy Feta and Cranberry Rigatoni Salad Tossed in Zesty Lemon Vinaigrette Dressing is not just delicious; it’s an experience waiting to happen! Enjoy each mouthful bursting with flavor while reminiscing about those sun-soaked days filled with laughter and love. creamy cauliflower mashed potatoes.

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by cooking the rigatoni al dente, drain it, and let it cool while you prepare the dressing. This method ensures the pasta absorbs all those delicious flavors without getting mushy.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap cranberries for dried cherries or add toasted nuts for extra crunch. Experiment with herbs like basil or mint to give your salad a personal twist.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. For best results, enjoy it cold; however, you can lightly warm it if you prefer.

Sharing this creamy feta and cranberry rigatoni salad at a picnic made my friends rave about my culinary skills—who knew I could impress them so easily?

FAQ

Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried?

Fresh cranberries are too tart; stick with dried for sweetness and texture.

How can I make this dish gluten-free?

Substitute regular rigatoni with gluten-free pasta for an equally delicious option.

What other dressings work well with this salad?

A balsamic vinaigrette can add a unique twist to this creamy salad.

Print

Creamy Feta and Cranberry Rigatoni Salad Tossed in Zesty Lemon Vinaigrette

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

• Author: Hellen
• Total Time: 27 minutes
• Yield: Serves approximately 4

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Creamy Feta and Cranberry Rigatoni Salad Tossed in Zesty Lemon Vinaigrette is a vibrant, flavorful dish perfect for any occasion. This delightful pasta salad combines creamy feta, sweet dried cranberries, and fresh vegetables, all beautifully coated in a tangy lemon vinaigrette. It’s quick to prepare and can be served at barbecues, potlucks, or as a light meal on its own. Enjoy the refreshing burst of flavors with every forkful!

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 8 oz rigatoni pasta
• 4 oz crumbled feta cheese
• 1 cup dried cranberries
• 2 cups fresh baby spinach
• 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes
• 3 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 4 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 1 tsp honey
• Salt and pepper to taste

---

Instructions

1. Cook the rigatoni in boiling salted water according to package instructions until al dente (about 10-12 minutes). Drain and cool slightly.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together lemon juice, olive oil, honey, salt, and pepper for the dressing.
3. In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta with spinach, feta, cranberries, and cherry tomatoes.
4. Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently until evenly coated.
5. Optional: Chill for 30 minutes before serving for enhanced flavor.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (200g)
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 12g
• Sodium: 320mg
• Fat: 16g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fiber: 4g
• Protein: 9g
• Cholesterol: 15mg