If you love pasta salad but want something a little more bright, tangy, and gourmet, this Feta & Cranberry Rigatoni Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette is for you! Tender rigatoni pasta is tossed with creamy feta, chewy dried cranberries, crisp veggies, and a zesty homemade lemon vinaigrette that brings it all together.
It’s the perfect side dish for picnics, BBQs, and holidays, but it also works beautifully as a light lunch or dinner.
Why You’ll Love This Rigatoni Salad
- Sweet & Savory Combo – Tangy feta pairs perfectly with sweet dried cranberries.
- Zesty Dressing – The lemon vinaigrette keeps it light and refreshing.
- Make-Ahead Friendly – The flavors get even better as it chills.
- Versatile – Serve as a main dish or alongside grilled meats and seafood.
Ingredients (Serves 6)
For the Salad:
- 12 oz rigatoni pasta
- 1 cup crumbled feta cheese
- ¾ cup dried cranberries
- 1 cup baby spinach (optional, roughly chopped)
- 1 small cucumber, diced
- ½ red onion, finely chopped
- ½ cup toasted walnuts or pecans (optional, for crunch)
For the Lemon Vinaigrette:
- ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
- 3 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp honey or maple syrup
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- Salt & black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta – Boil rigatoni in salted water according to package directions. Drain and rinse with cold water to cool.
- Make the Vinaigrette – In a small bowl or jar, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon, honey, garlic, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Assemble the Salad – In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked pasta, feta, cranberries, cucumber, red onion, spinach, and nuts (if using).
- Toss & Chill – Pour the lemon vinaigrette over the salad and toss until everything is evenly coated. Chill for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Serving Ideas
- Summer BBQs – A refreshing side to grilled chicken or steak.
- Holiday Side Dish – Its sweet-savory flavor makes it perfect for Thanksgiving or Christmas.
- Lunch Prep – Store in the fridge for up to 3 days for easy grab-and-go meals.
Tips & Variations
- Make it Creamier – Add a dollop of Greek yogurt to the vinaigrette.
- Extra Protein – Toss in grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas.
- Different Cheese – Goat cheese works beautifully if you prefer a softer, tangier bite.
This Feta & Cranberry Rigatoni Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette is the perfect balance of creamy, tangy, and sweet flavors. It’s simple enough for weekday meals but elegant enough to impress at any gathering. 🌿🍋