Make This Feta & Cranberry Rigatoni Salad for a Refreshing Delight!

Imagine a vibrant, refreshing pasta salad that bursts with tangy feta, sweet dried cranberries, and a zesty lemon vinaigrette. That’s exactly what you’ll get with this incredible Feta & Cranberry Rigatoni Salad! This colorful dish is perfect for picnics, potlucks, or a light and satisfying lunch.

Table of Contents

Overview of the Recipe

This Feta & Cranberry Rigatoni Salad features al dente rigatoni pasta tossed with crumbled feta, dried cranberries, red onion, and fresh parsley. The whole salad is then dressed in a simple lemon vinaigrette, which adds a bright, tangy flavor that ties all the ingredients together beautifully.

Why This Salad is Perfect for Any Occasion

The combination of flavors and textures in this Feta & Cranberry Rigatoni Salad makes it an irresistible choice for any gathering. The creamy feta, chewy cranberries, and crunchy onions create a delightful contrast, while the lemon vinaigrette provides a refreshing balance. Plus, it’s easy to make and can be prepared in advance, making it an ideal option for potlucks, picnics, or even a quick and healthy weekday lunch.

Ingredients for Feta & Cranberry Rigatoni Salad

Detailed List of Ingredients

• 2 cups rigatoni pasta
• 1 cup feta cheese, crumbled
• 1⁄2 cup dried cranberries
• 1⁄4 cup red onion, finely chopped
• 1⁄4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 1⁄4 cup olive oil
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon honey
• 1⁄2 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1⁄4 teaspoon salt
• 1⁄4 teaspoon black pepper

Ingredient Benefits and Substitutions

The star ingredients in this Feta & Cranberry Rigatoni Salad are the tangy feta cheese and sweet dried cranberries. Feta provides a creamy, salty contrast, while the cranberries add a delightful chewy texture and fruity flavor. You can substitute the feta with another crumbly cheese, like goat cheese or queso fresco, if desired. As for the cranberries, you can use dried cherries or raisins if you prefer.

Step-by-Step Instructions to Prepare the Salad

Cooking the Pasta

Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rigatoni pasta and cook according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. Drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process. Allow the pasta to cool completely before assembling the salad.

Preparing the Lemon Vinaigrette

In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper until the dressing is emulsified and well-combined.

Combining the Salad Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked and cooled rigatoni, crumbled feta, dried cranberries, chopped red onion, and fresh parsley.

Dressing and Tossing the Salad

Pour the lemon vinaigrette over the salad ingredients and toss everything together until the pasta is evenly coated with the dressing.

Chilling and Serving Recommendations

Refrigerate the Feta & Cranberry Rigatoni Salad for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Serve the salad chilled as a refreshing side dish or a light, satisfying lunch.

Flavor Profile and Texture of the Salad

The Tangy and Creamy Elements

The crumbled feta cheese in this Feta & Cranberry Rigatoni Salad provides a delightful tangy and creamy element that perfectly complements the other ingredients. The feta’s salty and slightly acidic flavor creates a delicious contrast with the sweet cranberries and the zesty lemon vinaigrette.

The Sweet and Savory Balance

The dried cranberries in this salad offer a wonderful chewy texture and a sweet, fruity flavor that balances the savory notes of the feta and the slight bitterness of the lemon vinaigrette. The red onion also adds a subtle pungent flavor that ties the whole dish together, creating a harmonious blend of sweet, sour, and savory components.

Nutritional Information

Calories and Macronutrients Breakdown

This Feta & Cranberry Rigatoni Salad is a nutritious and well-balanced dish. A serving of the salad contains approximately 300 calories, with a macronutrient breakdown of 35g of carbohydrates, 12g of protein, and 15g of fat.

Health Benefits of Key Ingredients

The feta cheese in this salad is a good source of calcium, while the dried cranberries provide a boost of antioxidants. The olive oil and lemon juice in the vinaigrette offer healthy fats and vitamin C, respectively. Additionally, the rigatoni pasta and fresh parsley contribute fiber and various vitamins and minerals to make this salad a nutritious and satisfying meal option.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

Best Occasions to Serve This Salad

The Feta & Cranberry Rigatoni Salad is an excellent choice for a variety of occasions. It’s perfect for picnics, potlucks, and outdoor gatherings, as the chilled salad is refreshing and easy to serve. It also makes a great light lunch or side dish for any weekday meal.

Complementary Dishes and Drinks

This Feta & Cranberry Rigatoni Salad pairs well with grilled proteins, such as chicken or salmon, as well as fresh vegetable dishes or a simple green salad. For beverages, it complements iced tea, lemonade, or a crisp white wine.

FAQs About Feta & Cranberry Rigatoni Salad

Can I Make This Salad Ahead of Time?

Absolutely! The Feta & Cranberry Rigatoni Salad can be prepared a day in advance. Simply store the salad and dressing separately in the refrigerator, then toss them together just before serving.

What Variations Can I Try?

For a different twist, you can try substituting the feta with goat cheese or crumbled blue cheese. You can also experiment with other dried fruits, such as dried apricots or cherries, in place of the cranberries. Additionally, you can add chopped nuts, like toasted walnuts or pecans, for extra crunch.

How Long Can I Store Leftovers?

Leftover Feta & Cranberry Rigatoni Salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The salad may absorb more of the dressing over time, so you may want to add a bit of extra vinaigrette when serving the leftovers.

Is This Salad Suitable for Meal Prep?

Yes, the Feta & Cranberry Rigatoni Salad is an excellent option for meal prep. You can make a larger batch, portion it out into individual containers, and enjoy it throughout the week for a quick and healthy lunch or side dish.

Conclusion

The Feta & Cranberry Rigatoni Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette is a vibrant, flavorful, and nutritious dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With its tangy feta, sweet cranberries, and zesty lemon dressing, this salad is sure to become a new favorite in your recipe repertoire. Give it a try and enjoy the refreshing and satisfying flavors of this delightful pasta salad!

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• Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad
• Pineapple Cucumber Salad
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