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 mix of creamy feta, sweet dried cranberries, crunchy toasted walnuts, and zesty lemon vinaigrette creates an irresistible experience in every bite. Ideal for picnics, potlucks, or simply a refreshing meal at home, this pasta salad is quick to prepare and sure to impress guests.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to Prepare: With just 20 minutes from start to finish, you can whip up this delicious salad in no time.
- Flavorful Combination: The blend of feta cheese and cranberries provides a unique balance of savory and sweet flavors.
- Versatile Dish: Enjoy it as a main dish or serve it as a side; it pairs wonderfully with grilled meats or seafood.
- Healthy Ingredients: Packed with nutritious spinach, walnuts, and whole grain pasta, this salad is both satisfying and wholesome.
- Make-Ahead Option: Prepare it in advance for enhanced flavors; just chill before serving for the best taste.
Tools and Preparation
To make your Feta & Cranberry Rigatoni Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette smoothly, having the right tools is essential.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large pot
- Colander
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk
Importance of Each Tool
- Large pot: Essential for boiling the rigatoni pasta to achieve the perfect al dente texture.
- Colander: Helps drain the pasta effectively while allowing rinsing under cold water to halt cooking.
- Mixing bowl: A spacious bowl ensures you can combine all ingredients without making a mess.
- Whisk: Perfect for blending the lemon vinaigrette ingredients smoothly.
Ingredients
Pasta & Greens
- 12 oz rigatoni pasta
- 2 cups baby spinach
Cheese & Nuts
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/4 cup toasted walnuts, chopped
Fruits & Vegetables
- 1/3 cup dried cranberries
- 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
Dressing Components
- 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 Pasta
Boil the rigatoni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta in a colander and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process.
Step 2: Prepare the Vinaigrette
In a small bowl, whisk together:
1. Olive oil
2. Fresh lemon juice
3. Honey
4. Dijon mustard
5. Salt
6. Black pepper
Step 3: Combine Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine:
– The cooked rigatoni
– Crumbled feta
– Dried cranberries
– Toasted walnuts
– Baby spinach
– Sliced red onion
Step 4: Dress the Salad
Drizzle the prepared lemon vinaigrette over the salad mixture. Toss gently to ensure all ingredients are evenly coated.
Step 5: Serve
Serve immediately or chill in the refrigerator for about 15 minutes for enhanced flavor before enjoying!
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 in how you can serve it. Whether it’s a casual lunch or a festive gathering, here are some ideas for serving this delightful salad.
As a Light Lunch
- Pair with a slice of whole-grain bread for a balanced meal.
- Serve alongside a refreshing cucumber salad to enhance the flavors.
For Dinner Parties
- Place in individual bowls for an elegant presentation.
- Garnish with additional feta and cranberries for visual appeal.
At Picnics and Outdoor Gatherings
- Pack in portable containers for easy transport.
- Include disposable utensils to keep cleanup simple.
As a Side Dish
- Offer as a side to grilled chicken or fish to complement the meal.
- Accompany with roasted vegetables for a hearty plate.
For Meal Prep
- Divide into meal prep containers for easy lunches throughout the week.
- Keep the dressing separate until ready to eat to maintain freshness.
How to Perfect Feta & Cranberry Rigatoni Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette
To ensure your Feta & Cranberry Rigatoni Salad is always at its best, consider these helpful tips.
- Use fresh ingredients: Fresh spinach and high-quality feta will elevate the taste.
- Adjust dressing: Customize the lemon vinaigrette by adding herbs like basil or parsley for extra flavor.
- Chill before serving: Letting the salad sit in the fridge for 15-30 minutes enhances the flavors.
- Toast walnuts: Toasting walnuts adds depth and crunch, making each bite more enjoyable.
- Experiment with add-ins: Consider adding other ingredients like cherry tomatoes or bell peppers for variety.
- Store properly: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge to maintain freshness.
Best Side Dishes for Feta & Cranberry Rigatoni Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette
This salad pairs well with various side dishes that complement its flavors. Here are some excellent options:
- Grilled Chicken Breast – Juicy chicken seasoned simply enhances this pasta salad beautifully.
- Roasted Vegetable Medley – A mix of seasonal vegetables adds color and nutrients to your meal.
- Garlic Bread – Crispy bread infused with garlic complements the creamy feta perfectly.
- Quinoa Pilaf – A light, protein-packed option that pairs nicely without overpowering the salad’s taste.
- Caprese Skewers – Fresh mozzarella, basil, and tomatoes on skewers offer a delightful contrast of flavors.
- Hummus and Veggies – A healthy snack that provides crunch while being easy to prepare and serve.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Feta & Cranberry Rigatoni Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette, it’s easy to overlook some key steps. Here are common mistakes to avoid for the best results.
- Overcooking the pasta: Cooking rigatoni beyond al dente can lead to a mushy texture. Always follow package instructions and taste-test a minute before the suggested time.
- Skipping the rinse: Not rinsing the pasta after cooking can cause it to stick together. Rinse under cold water immediately after draining to keep it separate and cool.
- Ignoring ingredient quality: Using low-quality feta or stale walnuts can diminish the salad’s flavor. Opt for fresh, high-quality ingredients to enhance taste and texture.
- Neglecting seasoning: Failing to season your vinaigrette properly may result in bland salad. Taste as you mix and adjust salt and pepper for optimal flavor.
- Forgetting about chilling: Serving immediately may not allow flavors to meld well. Chill for at least 15 minutes before serving for a more flavorful experience.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container.
- Keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freezing Feta & Cranberry Rigatoni Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette
- Freezing is not recommended, as pasta can become mushy upon thawing.
- If needed, freeze only unassembled components (like feta and cranberries) separately.
Reheating Feta & Cranberry Rigatoni Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place in a baking dish covered with foil until warmed through.
- Microwave: Heat on medium power in short intervals, stirring occasionally until heated evenly.
- Stovetop: Warm gently in a pan over low heat, stirring frequently to avoid sticking.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making Feta & Cranberry Rigatoni Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette that might help you out.
Can I use other types of pasta?
Yes! Feel free to substitute rigatoni with any pasta shape you prefer, such as penne or farfalle.
How do I make this dish gluten-free?
To make your Feta & Cranberry Rigatoni Salad gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta options available at many grocery stores.
Is this salad suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! This salad holds up well in the refrigerator, making it perfect for meal prep for lunches or quick dinners.
What variations can I try?
You can customize by adding grilled chicken, roasted vegetables, or other nuts like almonds for different textures and flavors!
Final Thoughts
This Feta & Cranberry Rigatoni Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette is not only delicious but also versatile. Perfect as a light meal or side dish, it offers opportunities for customization based on your preferences. Try it today and enjoy its vibrant flavors!
Feta & Cranberry Rigatoni Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Feta & Cranberry Rigatoni Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette is a colorful, refreshing dish that brings together creamy feta cheese, sweet dried cranberries, and crunchy walnuts for a delightful bite. With zesty lemon vinaigrette drizzled over the top, this pasta salad is perfect for picnics, potlucks, or a light meal at home. Quick to prepare in just 20 minutes, it showcases a balance of flavors that will impress your guests and satisfy your taste buds. Enjoy it as a main dish or a side, and feel free to customize it with your favorite ingredients!
Ingredients
- 12 oz rigatoni pasta
- 2 cups baby spinach
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/4 cup toasted walnuts, chopped
- 1/3 cup dried cranberries
- 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
- 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
Instructions
- Cook the rigatoni in boiling water until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water.
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper for the vinaigrette.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked rigatoni, spinach, feta cheese, cranberries, walnuts, and red onion.
- Drizzle the vinaigrette over the salad and toss gently to coat all ingredients.
- Serve immediately or chill for about 15 minutes to enhance flavors.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Chilling
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (205g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
