Description
Feta & Cranberry Rigatoni Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette is a delightful and colorful dish that brings together creamy feta cheese, sweet dried cranberries, and crunchy walnuts, all tossed in a zesty lemon vinaigrette. This salad is perfect for any occasion, whether you’re hosting a summer picnic or seeking a quick weeknight meal. With its vibrant flavors and wholesome ingredients like baby spinach, this pasta salad stands out as both delicious and nutritious. Plus, it’s quick to prepare—ready in just 20 minutes! Serve it as a light main course or as an impressive side dish at your next gathering.
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 oz rigatoni pasta
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/3 cup dried cranberries
- 1/4 cup toasted walnuts, chopped
- 2 cups baby spinach
- 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon honey
- 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cook rigatoni until al dente according to package instructions; drain and rinse under cold water.
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper to prepare the vinaigrette.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked rigatoni, feta cheese, cranberries, walnuts, spinach, and red onion.
- Drizzle the dressing over the salad ingredients and gently toss to combine.
- Serve immediately or chill for 15 minutes for enhanced flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (about 150g)
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 290mg
- Fat: 23g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 15mg