Name: Feta & Cranberry Rigatoni Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 12 oz rigatoni pasta; 1 cup crumbled feta cheese; ½ cup dried cranberries; ½ cup cucumber, diced; ½ red onion, thinly sliced; 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved; 3 tablespoons olive oil; 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice; 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard; 1 teaspoon honey (optional); 1 garlic clove, minced; Salt and pepper, to taste; 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Description

Feta & Cranberry Rigatoni Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette is a refreshing and vibrant dish that’s perfect for summer gatherings, picnics, or a light lunch. This delightful pasta salad combines the creamy tanginess of crumbled feta cheese with the sweetness of dried cranberries, fresh vegetables, and a zesty lemon vinaigrette. In just 20 minutes, you can whip up this flavorful salad that not only looks appealing but also offers a nutritious boost thanks to its wholesome ingredients. Whether served as a main course or as a side dish at barbecues, this recipe is sure to impress your family and friends. With its versatile nature and delicious taste, it’s an ideal addition to your meal rotation.

Ingredients

Scale

12 oz rigatoni pasta
1 cup crumbled feta cheese
½ cup dried cranberries
½ cup cucumber, diced
½ red onion, thinly sliced
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
3 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon honey (optional)
1 garlic clove, minced
Salt and pepper, to taste
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

Cook rigatoni in boiling salted water for about 10 minutes until al dente. Drain and cool under cold water.
In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, salt, and pepper.
In a large mixing bowl, combine cooled rigatoni with feta cheese, cranberries, cucumber, red onion, and cherry tomatoes. Drizzle with vinaigrette and toss gently.
Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Salad
Method: Mixing
Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
Calories: 400
Sugar: 10g
Sodium: 500mg
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Unsaturated Fat: 15g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 50g
Fiber: 5g
Protein: 12g
Cholesterol: 10mg

Keywords: For added protein, mix in grilled chicken or turkey. Experiment with different pasta shapes like penne or fusilli for variety. Allow the salad to chill for at least 30 minutes before serving to enhance flavors.