Go Back
+ servings
Feta & Cranberry Rigatoni Salad

Feta & Cranberry Rigatoni Salad for a Zesty Meal Upgrade

A vibrant Feta & Cranberry Rigatoni Salad that combines creamy feta with sweet cranberries in a zesty vinaigrette.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Chilling Time 30 minutes
Total Time 57 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Lunch
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Calories: 300

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 8 oz Rigatoni Pasta Use gluten-free pasta for a gluten-free option.
For the Creamy Elements
  • 6 oz Feta Cheese Substitute with goat cheese or vegan feta if needed.
For Sweetness
  • 1 cup Dried Cranberries Use raisins or chopped dates if cranberries aren't available.
  • 2 tbsp Honey Substitute with maple syrup for a vegan alternative.
For Crunch and Texture
  • 1/3 cup Toasted Pine Nuts Walnuts or sunflower seeds work well for nut allergies.
  • 1/4 cup Red Onion Can be reduced or omitted based on preference.
For Freshness
  • 4 cups Baby Spinach Leaves Arugula provides a peppery kick if preferred.
For Zesty Flavor
  • 1 tbsp Lemon Zest Essential for this Feta & Cranberry Rigatoni Salad.
  • 2 tbsp Lemon Juice Freshly squeezed.
  • 3 tbsp Olive Oil Use extra virgin for the best flavor.
For Seasoning
  • 1 tsp Salt Adjust to taste.
  • 1/2 tsp Black Pepper Adjust to taste.

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • colander
  • Mixing bowl
  • Whisk

Method
 

Step‑by‑Step Instructions
  1. Boil Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the rigatoni pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 10–12 minutes. Drain and rinse under cold water.
  2. Make Vinaigrette: Whisk together lemon juice, olive oil, honey, salt, and pepper in a bowl until emulsified, about 1–2 minutes. Adjust seasoning to taste.
  3. Combine Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine the cooled rigatoni, crumbled feta, dried cranberries, pine nuts, and sliced red onion gently using a spatula.
  4. Add Leafy Greens: Add lemon zest and baby spinach, stirring gently to incorporate without bruising the greens.
  5. Dress the Salad: Drizzle the vinaigrette over the ingredients and toss gently until well coated.
  6. Chill: Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
  7. Serve: Toss again, taste, and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 300kcalCarbohydrates: 40gProtein: 10gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 7gCholesterol: 15mgSodium: 400mgPotassium: 350mgFiber: 5gSugar: 15gVitamin A: 2000IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 150mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Ensure the rigatoni is cooked al dente and let the salad chill for optimal flavor development. Add spinach just before serving for freshness.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!