Go Back
+ servings
Feta & Cranberry Rigatoni Salad

Feta & Cranberry Rigatoni Salad

A colorful and refreshing Feta & Cranberry Rigatoni Salad that's perfect for summer meals.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Chilling Time 30 minutes
Total Time 57 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Salads
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 8 oz Rigatoni pasta Can substitute with penne, farfalle, or rotini.
For the Salad
  • 4 oz Feta cheese, crumbled Try goat cheese or ricotta salata for a twist.
  • 1 cup Dried cranberries Swap for dried cherries or raisins if preferred.
  • 1/2 cup Red onion, finely chopped Scallions can be used for milder taste.
  • 1/4 cup Fresh parsley, chopped Basil is a fragrant alternative.
For the Vinaigrette
  • 1/4 cup Olive oil Avocado oil makes a lovely substitute.
  • 2 tbsp Lemon juice Fresh lime juice is a good alternative.
  • 1 tbsp Honey Maple syrup serves as a vegan option.
  • 1 tbsp Dijon mustard Can be omitted for simpler flavor.
  • to taste Salt and black pepper Enhance all flavors; adjust to taste.

Equipment

  • large pot
  • colander
  • Mixing Bowl
  • Whisk
  • Spatula

Method
 

Step‑by‑Step Instructions
  1. Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a vigorous boil over high heat. Once it's bubbling, add the rigatoni pasta and cook according to the package instructions, typically 10–12 minutes, until it reaches al dente.
  2. Once the rigatoni is al dente, carefully drain it into a colander. Rinse the pasta under cold running water for about 1-2 minutes to stop the cooking process and cool it down.
  3. Transfer the cooled rigatoni into a large mixing bowl. Crumble the feta cheese directly over the pasta, and gently mix the ingredients.
  4. Next, sprinkle the dried cranberries into the bowl and gently fold them into the pasta mixture.
  5. Finely chop the red onion and toss it into the pasta bowl, mixing well.
  6. Chop fresh parsley and add it to the salad, folding it in to ensure even distribution.
  7. In a separate bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper.
  8. Pour the vinaigrette over the rigatoni salad, tossing gently to combine.
  9. Taste your salad and adjust seasonings as preferred.
  10. Serve immediately or chill in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cupCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 10gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 20mgSodium: 300mgPotassium: 200mgFiber: 3gSugar: 10gVitamin A: 10IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 15mgIron: 10mg

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. For optimal freshness, keep the vinaigrette separate until you're ready to serve.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!