You know, I’ll never forget the first time I made Feta & Cranberry Rigatoni Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette. It was a few years ago, and I was hosting a big summer barbecue for all my friends and family. I wanted to impress everyone with a show-stopping pasta salad, and this recipe did not disappoint. The moment I tossed together the tender rigatoni, tangy feta, tart cranberries, and zesty lemon vinaigrette, I knew it was going to be a hit. And sure enough, as soon as my guests took their first bites, their faces lit up with delight. “This is incredible!” they kept exclaiming between mouthfuls. I’ve been making Feta & Cranberry Rigatoni Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette ever since, and it’s become one of my go-to dishes for any gathering.
Why This Feta & Cranberry Rigatoni Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette Recipe Will Become Your Go-To
The Secret Behind Perfect Feta & Cranberry Rigatoni Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette
What makes this Feta & Cranberry Rigatoni Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette recipe so special is the perfect balance of flavors and textures. The creamy feta cheese pairs beautifully with the pop of sweet-tart cranberries, while the lemon vinaigrette ties it all together with a refreshing zing. And the rigatoni pasta, with its ridges that perfectly hold onto the dressing, creates a wonderfully satisfying mouthfeel. Plus, it’s a breeze to make – you can whip it up in just a few simple steps. Trust me, once you try this Feta & Cranberry Rigatoni Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette, it’ll become a staple in your recipe rotation.
Essential Ingredients You’ll Need
To make this mouthwatering Feta & Cranberry Rigatoni Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette, you’ll need a few key ingredients:
- Rigatoni pasta
- Crumbled feta cheese
- Dried cranberries
- Lemon juice
- Olive oil
- Dijon mustard
- Garlic
- Salt and pepper
Step-by-Step Feta & Cranberry Rigatoni Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette Instructions
Preparing Your Feta & Cranberry Rigatoni Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette
This Feta & Cranberry Rigatoni Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette comes together in just 30 minutes, making it the perfect easy and delicious dish for busy weeknights or summer gatherings. All you need is a large pot, a mixing bowl, and a few simple kitchen tools.
1- Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rigatoni and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking.
2- While the pasta is cooking, make the lemon vinaigrette. In a small bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, olive oil, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, salt, and pepper until well combined.
3- Transfer the cooked and cooled rigatoni to a large mixing bowl. Add the crumbled feta cheese and dried cranberries, then pour the lemon vinaigrette over the top.
4- Gently toss the Feta & Cranberry Rigatoni Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette until all the ingredients are evenly coated. You’ll know it’s ready when the pasta is well-dressed and the feta and cranberries are distributed throughout.
5- For the finishing touches, give the salad a final taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
6- Serve your Feta & Cranberry Rigatoni Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette chilled or at room temperature, garnished with a few extra cranberries or a sprinkle of lemon zest if desired.
Pro Tips for Success
When making this Feta & Cranberry Rigatoni Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette, a few expert tips can help ensure perfectly delicious results:
– Be sure not to overcook the rigatoni – you want it to have a nice bite, not be mushy.
– Taste the lemon vinaigrette before tossing it with the salad and adjust the seasoning to your liking. You may want to add a bit more lemon juice or a pinch of sugar depending on your taste preferences.
– Let the salad chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
– Avoid using pre-crumbled feta, as the texture and flavor won’t be as fresh. Crumble a block of feta yourself for the best results.
Serving and Storing Your Feta & Cranberry Rigatoni Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette
Perfect Pairings for Feta & Cranberry Rigatoni Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette
This Feta & Cranberry Rigatoni Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette makes a fantastic main dish on its own, but it also pairs beautifully with grilled chicken, fish, or even roasted vegetables for a heartier meal. For a refreshing beverage pairing, try serving it with a crisp white wine, sparkling lemonade, or iced tea.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Feta & Cranberry Rigatoni Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette is the perfect make-ahead dish. You can prepare it up to 3 days in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, give it a gentle toss to recombine the ingredients. The salad will stay fresh and flavorful for up to 5 days.
Variations and Dietary Adaptations for Feta & Cranberry Rigatoni Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette
Creative Feta & Cranberry Rigatoni Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette Variations
While the classic Feta & Cranberry Rigatoni Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette is hard to beat, you can easily customize it to suit your tastes or the seasons. Try swapping the cranberries for dried cherries or pomegranate seeds for a fun twist. You could also add in diced cucumber, cherry tomatoes, or sliced red onion for extra color and crunch. For a heartier version, mix in grilled chicken or shrimp.
Making Feta & Cranberry Rigatoni Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette Diet-Friendly
To make this Feta & Cranberry Rigatoni Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette suitable for various dietary needs, here are some easy substitutions:
– For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free rigatoni or another small, short pasta shape.
– Substitute vegan feta cheese or omit the feta entirely for a dairy-free option.
– Use a low-calorie or low-fat Italian dressing in place of the lemon vinaigrette for a lighter salad.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use a different type of pasta besides rigatoni?
A: Absolutely! While rigatoni is the classic choice, you can use any short, sturdy pasta shape like penne, fusilli, or even elbow macaroni. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Q: How far in advance can I make this Feta & Cranberry Rigatoni Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette?
A: This salad can be made up to 3 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator. The flavors will continue to meld and the texture will stay fresh.
Q: Can I substitute something for the dried cranberries?
A: Yes, you can use dried cherries, pomegranate seeds, or even diced apple or grapes instead of the cranberries. Just be sure to choose a sweet-tart fruit that will complement the other flavors.
Q: How many people does this Feta & Cranberry Rigatoni Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette recipe serve?
A: This recipe makes enough for 6-8 servings as a main dish or 8-10 servings as a side salad. If you need to feed a larger crowd, simply scale up the ingredients.
Q: What if the salad seems dry after refrigerating?
A: If the Feta & Cranberry Rigatoni Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette appears dry after chilling, simply add a bit more of the lemon vinaigrette and toss gently to recoat the ingredients.
Feta & Cranberry Rigatoni Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette
- Total Time: 20
- Yield: 4
Description
Enjoy the perfect balance of tangy feta, tart cranberries, and a zesty lemon vinaigrette in this quick and easy Feta & Cranberry Rigatoni Salad. This vibrant pasta salad makes for a delicious weeknight meal or a flavorful side dish.
Ingredients
– 8 oz rigatoni pasta
– 1 cup crumbled feta cheese
– 1 cup dried cranberries
– 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 2 tbsp lemon juice
– 1 tbsp white wine vinegar
– 1 tsp Dijon mustard
– 1 garlic clove, minced
– 1/4 tsp salt
– 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
1. Cook the rigatoni according to package instructions. Drain and rinse with cold water.
2. In a large bowl, combine the cooked rigatoni, feta cheese, dried cranberries, and chopped parsley.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, white wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, garlic, salt, and pepper to make the lemon vinaigrette.
4. Pour the vinaigrette over the rigatoni salad and toss gently to coat.
5. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Notes
This salad can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will continue to meld together. You can also add in other mix-ins like diced cucumber, cherry tomatoes, or toasted nuts.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 10
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Italian
Conclusion
Feta & Cranberry Rigatoni Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette is the ultimate crowd-pleasing pasta salad. With its vibrant flavors, satisfying textures, and easy preparation, it’s no wonder it’s become a staple in my recipe repertoire. I know you and your family or guests are going to love this dish as much as I do. So what are you waiting for? Give this Feta & Cranberry Rigatoni Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette a try and get ready for rave reviews!
