Feta & Cranberry Rigatoni Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette

Feta & Cranberry Rigatoni Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette is a bright, tangy, and refreshing pasta salad that combines the creamy saltiness of feta with the sweet tartness of dried cranberries. Tossed in a zesty lemon vinaigrette, this dish is perfect for picnics, potlucks, or as a light yet satisfying lunch. The chewy rigatoni holds the vinaigrette beautifully, while crunchy elements and fresh herbs add layers of texture and flavor.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Unique blend of savory, sweet, and tangy flavors
• Quick to prepare and ideal for make-ahead meals
• Perfect for warm-weather gatherings
• Easily customizable with different add-ins
• Vegetarian-friendly and can be made gluten-free
• Light yet filling thanks to pasta and feta
• Colorful and visually appealing
• Great for picnics, potlucks, or lunch meal prep
• Tastes even better the next day
• No mayo, making it perfect for outdoor serving

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Rigatoni pasta
• Crumbled feta cheese
• Dried cranberries
• Fresh spinach or arugula (optional)
• Chopped red onion
• Chopped fresh parsley
• Sliced almonds or walnuts (optional, for crunch)
• Fresh lemon juice
• Olive oil
• Dijon mustard
• Honey or maple syrup
• Garlic, minced
• Salt and black pepper

directions

1. Cook rigatoni pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking.
2. In a small bowl or jar, whisk together lemon juice, olive oil, Dijon mustard, honey, garlic, salt, and pepper to make the vinaigrette.
3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, feta, cranberries, red onion, and nuts (if using).
4. Add chopped parsley and spinach or arugula if desired.
5. Pour the lemon vinaigrette over the salad and toss to coat evenly.
6. Chill for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.
7. Toss again before serving and garnish with extra feta or herbs, if desired.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 6–8 as a side dish or 4 as a main. Prep time is about 15 minutes, and chill time is 30 minutes, making total time approximately 45 minutes.

Variations

• Use bowtie or penne pasta instead of rigatoni
• Add grilled chicken or chickpeas for added protein
• Swap spinach with kale or mixed greens
• Use goat cheese instead of feta for a creamier texture
• Add cherry tomatoes or roasted red peppers
• Include chopped cucumber or celery for extra crunch
• Substitute apple cider vinegar for lemon juice in the vinaigrette
• Toss in cooked quinoa for extra heartiness
• Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a hint of heat
• Use pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds in place of nuts

storage/reheating

Store salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Stir before serving to redistribute the vinaigrette. This dish is best served cold or at room temperature—reheating is not recommended, as it may wilt the greens and change the texture of the feta and cranberries.

FAQs

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes, it actually tastes better after chilling for a few hours or overnight.

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, any short pasta like penne, rotini, or farfalle works well.

Is this salad served warm or cold?

It’s best served cold or at room temperature.

Can I make it vegan?

Yes, use a vegan feta alternative and maple syrup instead of honey in the vinaigrette.

How do I keep the pasta from sticking together?

Rinse with cold water after cooking and toss with a bit of olive oil before mixing.

What can I use instead of cranberries?

Try dried cherries, golden raisins, or chopped apricots.

Can I skip the nuts?

Absolutely—just leave them out or substitute with seeds for crunch.

Does this need to be refrigerated?

Yes, especially if not serving immediately. It should be chilled for best flavor.

What protein pairs well with this salad?

Grilled chicken, salmon, or chickpeas are great additions.

How long does the vinaigrette last?

Stored separately in the fridge, it will keep for up to a week.

Conclusion

Feta & Cranberry Rigatoni Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette is a fresh, flavorful twist on traditional pasta salad. With its bright citrus dressing, bold feta, and sweet cranberries, it strikes a perfect balance of savory and sweet in every bite. Whether you’re hosting a summer gathering or prepping weekday lunches, this colorful and satisfying dish is sure to become a favorite.

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