🧀🍋🥗 Feta & Cranberry Rigatoni Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette
✨ Description:
This vibrant Mediterranean-style pasta salad is full of flavor and texture. Creamy feta, sweet dried cranberries, crunchy walnuts, and tender spinach pair perfectly with rigatoni pasta and a zesty homemade lemon vinaigrette. A satisfying, wholesome dish for any season — great for meal prep, potlucks, or a light yet hearty lunch!
📝 Ingredients
🥗 For the Salad:
- 8 oz (225 g) rigatoni pasta
- 2 cups fresh baby spinach
- ½ cup crumbled feta cheese
- ⅓ cup dried cranberries
- ⅓ cup chopped walnuts (toasted for extra crunch)
- ¼ cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley or mint (optional)
🍋 For the Lemon Vinaigrette:
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp honey or maple syrup (optional)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
🔧 Instructions
1. Cook the Pasta:
- Boil rigatoni in salted water according to package directions until al dente.
- Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking. Set aside to cool.
2. Make the Vinaigrette:
- In a small bowl or jar, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, Dijon mustard, honey (if using), salt, and pepper until emulsified.
3. Assemble the Salad:
- In a large bowl, combine cooked pasta, baby spinach, cranberries, walnuts, red onion, and feta.
- Pour vinaigrette over the salad and toss gently to combine.
- Sprinkle with fresh herbs if using.
4. Chill & Serve:
- For best flavor, let sit in the fridge for 15–30 minutes before serving.
👨👩👧 Servings:
- Makes 4–5 servings as a main dish
- 6–8 servings as a side
🔍 Nutritional Info (Per Main-Dish Serving — Approximate):
- Calories: 380–420 kcal
- Protein: 10–12g
- Carbs: 38–45g
- Fat: 20–24g
- Fiber: 3–4g
- Sugar: 5–7g
- Sodium: ~320 mg
💡 Notes & Tips
- Pasta Shape: You can swap rigatoni for penne, fusilli, or farfalle.
- Dairy-Free Option: Use a plant-based feta or omit cheese.
- Nut-Free? Sub sunflower or pumpkin seeds for walnuts.
- Meal Prep Tip: Store dressing separately if making ahead.
- Add Protein: Toss in grilled chicken, chickpeas, or tuna for a more filling meal.
🌿 Health Benefits
- Balanced Meal: Carbs, healthy fats, fiber, and protein all in one bowl.
- Antioxidants: Cranberries and spinach help reduce inflammation.
- Heart-Healthy Fats: Walnuts and olive oil support cardiovascular health.
- Rich in Iron & Calcium: Thanks to spinach and feta.
❓Q & A
Q: Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried?
A: Dried cranberries are preferred for sweetness and texture. If using fresh, cook them slightly with a bit of honey to soften and sweeten.
Q: How long will this salad keep?
A: It stays fresh for up to 3 days in the fridge. Best served cold or at room temp.
Q: Can I make it gluten-free?
A: Yes, just use gluten-free rigatoni or your favorite GF pasta.
Q: What other greens can I use?
A: Arugula, baby kale, or mixed greens work well too.