There’s nothing quite like a vibrant, refreshing salad to brighten up your day, especially when it comes together in just 15 minutes! As the sun begins to shine and the warm days of spring approach, I find myself craving dishes that are light yet full of flavor. That’s when this Feta Cranberry Rigatoni Salad with Zesty Lemon Vinaigrette comes into play.
Imagine the delightful crunch of fresh spinach paired with the sweetness of juicy cranberries, all nestled amongst hearty rigatoni. The creamy feta cheese adds a touch of richness, perfectly balanced by the zesty lemon vinaigrette that dances on your taste buds. This salad is not just a feast for the eyes with its colorful medley; it’s also incredibly versatile, making it suitable for any occasion—whether as a light lunch or a side at your next barbecue.
With its Mediterranean flair and customizable ingredients, this salad easily adapts to your preferences. Ready to take a break from fast food? Let’s dive into making a dish that’s satisfying, healthy, and bursting with flavor!
Why You’ll Love This Feta Cranberry Rigatoni Salad
Quick and Easy: You can whip up this salad in just 15 minutes, making it a perfect choice for those busy weekdays.
Vibrant Flavors: The combination of sweet cranberries and tangy lemon vinaigrette offers a refreshing taste that’s sure to brighten your day.
Customizable Ingredients: Whether you prefer it gluten-free or want to add proteins, this recipe can easily cater to your personal taste.
Healthy and Satisfying: With approximately 320 calories per serving, you can indulge without any guilt, making it a great alternative to fast food.
Great for Any Occasion: Serve it as a standalone meal or a colorful side dish at your next gathering—it’s bound to impress everyone!
Feta Cranberry Rigatoni Salad Ingredients
• Ready to create your delicious Feta Cranberry Rigatoni Salad? Gather these fresh ingredients!
For the Salad
- 8 ounces rigatoni pasta – This is your main carbohydrate; feel free to swap it with gluten-free pasta if needed.
- 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped – Adds a lovely green color and is packed with nutrients; kale works too if you want something different.
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved – These little gems bring sweetness and freshness; diced bell peppers can give a different kick.
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese – Provides that creamy, salty goodness; goat cheese or mozzarella can be alternatives.
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries – They add a chewy texture and sweet bursts of flavor; you can use raisins or chopped dates as substitutes.
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped – Offers a nice sharpness and crunch; green onions can be a milder choice if preferred.
For the Lemon Vinaigrette
- 1/4 cup olive oil – This gives richness and acts as the dressing base; any neutral vegetable oil can substitute if you have that on hand.
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice – Brightens up the salad with acidity; lime juice is a delightful alternative too.
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard – Adds depth to the dressing; mustard powder can work as a substitution.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder – Brings in a nice savoriness; fresh minced garlic adds a stronger flavor if you’re feeling adventurous.
- Salt and pepper to taste – For seasoning, ensuring your salad is perfectly balanced.
How to Make Feta Cranberry Rigatoni Salad
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Boil Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rigatoni and cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking.
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Mix Salad Ingredients: In a spacious mixing bowl, combine the cooled rigatoni, chopped spinach, halved cherry tomatoes, crumbled feta, dried cranberries, and finely chopped red onion. Stir gently to mix everything together.
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Prepare Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until the mixture is well emulsified and smooth.
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Toss with Dressing: Pour the dressing over the salad mixture and gently toss everything together until the pasta and vegetables are evenly coated with the flavorful dressing.
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Chill and Serve: Cover the salad and place it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld. Enjoy chilled as a delightful light meal or side dish!
Optional: Garnish with a few additional crumbles of feta before serving for a lovely presentation.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
How to Store and Freeze Feta Cranberry Rigatoni Salad
Fridge: Store any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. To keep the salad fresh, avoid mixing the dressing until ready to serve.
Freezer: Freezing is not recommended since the pasta and vegetables can become mushy when thawed. However, you can freeze the dressing separately for future use.
Reheating: If storing, revive the salad by adding a splash of olive oil or lemon juice before serving. This will refresh the flavors of your Feta Cranberry Rigatoni Salad.
Expert Tips for Feta Cranberry Rigatoni Salad
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Fresh Ingredients Matter: Always use fresh veggies and high-quality feta for the best flavor in your Feta Cranberry Rigatoni Salad.
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Pasta Cooking Time: Avoid overcooking the rigatoni. Aim for al dente; this keeps it firm and prevents mushiness.
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Let It Chill: For optimal flavor, chill the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving. It enhances the dressing’s impact.
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Mix Well: If making in advance, don’t forget to toss the salad again before serving to ensure the dressing is evenly distributed.
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Dressing Alternatives: Experiment with the vinaigrette by adding herbs like basil or oregano for extra Mediterranean flair.
Feta Cranberry Rigatoni Salad Variations
Feel empowered to make this delightful salad your own with these creative twists!
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Gluten-Free: Swap the rigatoni with gluten-free pasta to accommodate dietary needs without sacrificing flavor.
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Creamy Avocado: Add diced avocado for an extra layer of creaminess that pairs beautifully with the feta.
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Nuts for Crunch: Mix in walnuts or pecans for a satisfying crunch and nutty flavor that compliments the sweetness of cranberries.
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Protein Boost: Toss in grilled chicken or chickpeas to turn this salad into a hearty main course, perfect for a filling lunch.
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Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes for those who enjoy a bit of heat – it adds an unexpected surprise!
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Vegetable Medley: Feel free to incorporate additional veggies like diced cucumbers or bell peppers for extra texture and flavor.
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Herb Infusion: Fresh herbs like basil or parsley can elevate the salad’s freshness and add a fragrant aroma that enhances the overall taste.
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Sweet Substitute: If you’re not a fan of cranberries, use raisins or chopped dates for a different touch of sweetness while maintaining that delightful chewiness.
Make Ahead Options
This Feta Cranberry Rigatoni Salad with Zesty Lemon Vinaigrette is perfect for meal prep, making your busy weeknights a breeze! You can cook the rigatoni and prepare the salad components—spinach, cherry tomatoes, feta, cranberries, and red onion—up to 24 hours in advance. Store them separately in the refrigerator to maintain freshness and prevent sogginess. When you’re ready to serve, simply combine the prepped ingredients and drizzle on the lemon vinaigrette. Allow the salad to chill for at least 30 minutes before enjoying, as this helps the flavors meld beautifully. Rest assured, this dish remains just as delicious, even when made ahead!
What to Serve with Feta Cranberry Rigatoni Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette?
Create a delightful meal that perfectly complements your vibrant salad.
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Grilled Chicken: Juicy grilled chicken is a fantastic protein addition that enhances the salad’s Mediterranean flair and makes it heartier.
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Garlic Bread: Golden, crispy garlic bread pairs wonderfully with the fresh flavors of the salad, offering a satisfying crunch with every bite.
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Roasted Vegetables: A medley of seasoned roasted veggies adds depth and savoriness, creating a wholesome and colorful plate that pleases the eye and palate.
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Chilled White Wine: A crisp Sauvignon Blanc or a light Pinot Grigio balances the bright notes of the salad beautifully, making for an enjoyable dining experience.
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Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad can provide a sweet, juicy contrast to the savory elements of the rigatoni salad, enhancing the meal’s brightness.
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Mediterranean Couscous: This fluffy side dish with herbs mirrors the flavors of the salad, making it a delightful and cohesive addition to your table.
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Lemon Sorbet: End your meal on a refreshing note with lemon sorbet, which echoes the zesty vinaigrette while cleansing your palate perfectly.
Feta Cranberry Rigatoni Salad with Zesty Lemon Vinaigrette Recipe FAQs
How do I select ripe ingredients for this salad?
Absolutely! For the best taste, choose bright, firm cherry tomatoes that are deep red in color with no blemishes. Fresh spinach should be vibrant green with no wilting or yellow leaves. When picking feta cheese, look for a creamy texture and a clean smell. Avoid any containers with dark spots or excess moisture.
What’s the best way to store leftovers of this Feta Cranberry Rigatoni Salad?
Very! Store your leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To preserve freshness, avoid adding the dressing until you’re prepared to eat, and give it a gentle toss before serving to redistribute the flavors.
Can I freeze Feta Cranberry Rigatoni Salad?
Not really! Freezing is not advised for this salad, as the pasta and vegetables will lose their texture and become mushy when thawed. However, if you wish, you can freeze the lemon vinaigrette separately in a sealed container for up to 3 months. Just thaw and whisk before adding it back to a fresh salad!
What if my rigatoni ends up overcooked?
Oh no! If your pasta gets mushy, there’s still hope. You can drain the pasta, rinse it under cold water to halt further cooking, and toss it with a bit of olive oil to add some flavor back. Moving forward, aim for that al dente texture—firm to the bite for the best salad experience!
Are there any dietary considerations for this recipe?
Absolutely! This Feta Cranberry Rigatoni Salad can easily be tailored to meet dietary needs. For a gluten-free version, swap the rigatoni with gluten-free pasta. If you’re watching your sodium intake or have an allergy, you can use low-sodium feta and omit added salt. Always read labels for dried cranberries as they may contain sugar or additives that could trigger allergies.
Can I customize this salad with other ingredients?
The more the merrier! Feel free to add extra proteins like grilled chicken or chickpeas for a heartier meal. You can also mix in nuts like walnuts for crunch or additional veggies such as bell peppers and cucumbers for a fresh twist. This versatility makes it perfect for personalizing to your taste!
Feta Cranberry Rigatoni Salad with Bright Lemon Vinaigrette
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rigatoni and cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking.
- In a spacious mixing bowl, combine the cooled rigatoni, chopped spinach, halved cherry tomatoes, crumbled feta, dried cranberries, and finely chopped red onion. Stir gently to mix everything together.
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until the mixture is well emulsified and smooth.
- Pour the dressing over the salad mixture and gently toss everything together until the pasta and vegetables are evenly coated with the flavorful dressing.
- Cover the salad and place it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld. Enjoy chilled as a delightful light meal or side dish!