Description
This Feta & Cranberry Rigatoni Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette is a vibrant, fresh pasta salad perfect for a quick lunch or light dinner. Featuring al dente rigatoni combined with tangy feta cheese, sweet dried cranberries, crunchy walnuts, and fresh spinach, all tossed in a zesty homemade lemon vinaigrette that brightens every bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta and Salad
- 12 oz rigatoni pasta
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1/4 cup walnuts, chopped
- 2 cups fresh spinach leaves
Lemon Vinaigrette Dressing
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the pasta. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the rigatoni pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool the pasta.
- Make the lemon vinaigrette. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, fresh lemon juice, Dijon mustard, honey or maple syrup, minced garlic, salt, and pepper until the dressing is well emulsified and smooth.
- Combine salad ingredients. In a large mixing bowl, add the cooled rigatoni pasta, crumbled feta cheese, dried cranberries, chopped walnuts, and fresh spinach leaves.
- Toss the salad. Drizzle the prepared lemon vinaigrette over the pasta mixture and gently toss until all ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing.
- Serve or chill. You can serve the salad immediately for a fresh taste or chill it in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together before serving.
Notes
- For a nut-free version, omit the walnuts or substitute with toasted pumpkin seeds.
- You can swap out spinach for arugula or mixed greens for a different flavor profile.
- Use maple syrup instead of honey to make the vinaigrette vegan-friendly.
- Make the salad a few hours ahead and refrigerate to deepen the flavors.
- This salad can be served as a main dish or a side dish at picnics or potlucks.
