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Feta & Cranberry Rigatoni Salad

Feta & Cranberry Rigatoni Salad: A Refreshing Summer Delight

Feta & Cranberry Rigatoni Salad combines creamy feta and sweet cranberries with zesty lemon vinaigrette for a perfect summer dish.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Total Time 27 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Salads
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Calories: 450

Ingredients
  

For the Salad
  • 1 pound Rigatoni Pasta A hearty shape that captures the zesty dressing and creamy feta perfectly.
  • 8 ounces Feta Cheese (crumbled) Provides a creamy, tangy element.
  • 1 cup Dried Cranberries Adds chewy sweetness and vibrant color.
  • 1 medium Red Onion (finely chopped) Introduces a sharp crunch.
  • 1/4 cup Fresh Parsley (chopped) Brightens the salad with fresh, earthy flavors.
For the Vinaigrette
  • 1/3 cup Olive Oil The base of the dressing.
  • 1/4 cup Lemon Juice Infuses bright acidity.
  • 1 tablespoon Honey Adds sweetness.
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon Mustard Imparts tang and aids in emulsifying.
  • 1/2 teaspoon Salt Enhances overall flavors.
  • 1/4 teaspoon Black Pepper Adds a mild heat.

Equipment

  • large pot
  • Mixing bowl
  • whisk
  • Knife

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. In a large pot, bring salted water to a rapid boil over high heat. Add the rigatoni pasta and cook for 10-12 minutes, or until al dente. Drain and transfer to a mixing bowl.
  2. Rinse the drained rigatoni thoroughly under cold water to stop the cooking process. Let the pasta drain well and return it to the mixing bowl.
  3. Crumble the feta cheese into the bowl with the rigatoni.
  4. Add the dried cranberries and finely chopped red onion to the mixing bowl.
  5. Sprinkle the fresh parsley over the pasta mixture.
  6. In a separate bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper.
  7. Pour the prepared vinaigrette over the rigatoni mixture and toss gently to coat.
  8. Taste the salad and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Serve immediately or refrigerate for about 30 minutes.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 55gProtein: 12gFat: 24gSaturated Fat: 6gPolyunsaturated Fat: 4gMonounsaturated Fat: 14gCholesterol: 30mgSodium: 500mgPotassium: 350mgFiber: 4gSugar: 10gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 200mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Best served cold or at room temperature. Can be made ahead of time; store vinaigrette separately to prevent sogginess.

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