Why Make This Recipe
Feta and Cranberry Rigatoni Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette is a delightful dish that combines various textures and flavors. With the creamy feta, sweet dried cranberries, and crunchy walnuts, each bite is a burst of taste. This salad is not only delicious but also healthy, thanks to the fresh spinach and homemade dressing. It’s perfect for a light lunch, picnic, or as a side for dinner. Plus, it’s easy to make and can be served cold or at room temperature!
How to Make Feta and Cranberry Rigatoni Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette
Ingredients
- 12 oz rigatoni pasta
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts
- 2 cups fresh spinach leaves
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tsp honey or maple syrup
- 1/2 tsp Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions
- Begin by cooking the rigatoni pasta according to the package instructions. Once it’s done, drain and rinse under cold water so it cools nicely.
- In a large bowl, mix together the cooled pasta, feta cheese, dried cranberries, walnuts, and fresh spinach leaves.
- In a small bowl, whisk the olive oil, lemon juice, honey (or maple syrup), Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until the vinaigrette is smooth and well-blended.
- Drizzle the tangy lemon dressing over your salad and toss gently to make sure every bite is perfectly coated.
- Enjoy this delightful salad chilled or at room temperature, whether as a light meal or a refreshing side dish!
How to Serve Feta and Cranberry Rigatoni Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette
This salad can be served in many ways. You can place it in a large bowl for sharing or make individual servings. It pairs well with grilled chicken or fish for a more substantial meal. You can also serve it alongside some crusty bread or chips for a casual picnic.
How to Store Feta and Cranberry Rigatoni Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The salad will stay fresh for about 2-3 days. The flavors might even improve after a day or so, as they have time to blend.
Tips to Make Feta and Cranberry Rigatoni Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette
- Make sure to rinse the pasta with cold water after cooking to cool it down quickly. This prevents it from becoming mushy.
- If you want a deeper flavor, you can add some chopped red onion or bell peppers.
- To save time, you can prepare the vinaigrette ahead of time and store it in the fridge.
Variation
You can change this salad by using different types of pasta, such as penne or farfalle. You can also swap the feta for goat cheese or leave it out entirely for a vegan version. Adding herbs like fresh basil or parsley can bring in extra flavor!
FAQs
1. Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare it a day in advance. Just keep the dressing separate until you are ready to serve to keep the salad fresh.
2. Is this salad gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, use a gluten-free pasta. All other ingredients can stay the same!
3. Can I add protein to the salad?
Absolutely! Grilled chicken, shrimp, or even chickpeas are great additions to make the salad more filling.
Feta and Cranberry Rigatoni Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette
Ingredients
Pasta and Salad Base
- 12 oz rigatoni pasta Cook according to package instructions.
- 2 cups fresh spinach leaves
Salad Mix-ins
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts
Lemon Vinaigrette
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tsp honey or maple syrup Optional sweetener.
- 1/2 tsp Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Preparation
- Cook the rigatoni pasta according to the package instructions. Once it's done, drain and rinse under cold water.
- In a large bowl, mix together the cooled pasta, feta cheese, dried cranberries, walnuts, and fresh spinach leaves.
Making the Vinaigrette
- In a small bowl, whisk the olive oil, lemon juice, honey (or maple syrup), Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until the vinaigrette is smooth and well-blended.
Assembly
- Drizzle the tangy lemon dressing over your salad and toss gently to ensure every bite is well-coated.
- Enjoy this salad chilled or at room temperature.