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Feta & Cranberry Rigatoni Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette

Feta & Cranberry Rigatoni Salad with Zesty Lemon Vinaigrette

A refreshing Feta & Cranberry Rigatoni Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette, perfect for summer gatherings and light lunches.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Chilling Time 30 minutes
Total Time 57 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Salads
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Calories: 320

Ingredients
  

For the Salad
  • 12 ounces Rigatoni pasta Can substitute with penne or rotini.
  • 6 ounces Feta cheese, crumbled Can use goat cheese for a milder taste.
  • 1 cup Dried cranberries Fresh cranberries are too tart; use raisins or dried cherries if needed.
  • 1 medium Red onion, finely chopped Can use shallots for a milder flavor.
  • 1/2 cup Fresh parsley, chopped Basil or cilantro can also be used.
For the Vinaigrette
  • 1/4 cup Olive oil Avocado oil or sunflower oil may also work.
  • 2 tablespoons Lemon juice Lime juice can be substituted.
  • 1 tablespoon Honey Maple syrup is a vegan alternative.
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard Yellow mustard can be used instead.
  • 1/2 teaspoon Salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon Black pepper Ground white pepper can be used for a subtler flavor.

Equipment

  • large pot
  • Colander
  • Mixing bowl
  • small bowl
  • Whisk

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Fill a large pot with water, add salt, and bring it to a boil. Cook rigatoni pasta for 10-12 minutes until al dente.
  2. Drain the cooked rigatoni in a colander and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Transfer to a large mixing bowl.
  3. Crumble the feta cheese into a bowl, chop the red onion, then add parsley and cranberries, mixing to combine.
  4. Whisk olive oil, lemon juice, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper together in a small bowl until emulsified.
  5. Pour the feta mixture over the rigatoni, drizzle with vinaigrette, and toss to combine until evenly coated.
  6. Taste the salad and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve immediately or chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 320kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 9gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 7gCholesterol: 20mgSodium: 400mgPotassium: 300mgFiber: 3gSugar: 10gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 150mgIron: 1mg

Notes

Rinsing the pasta is crucial for maintaining al dente texture. Allowing the salad to chill enhances flavor.

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