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Feta & Cranberry Rigatoni Salad

Feta & Cranberry Rigatoni Salad: A Bright Taste of Summer

Feta & Cranberry Rigatoni Salad is a delightful Mediterranean-inspired dish bursting with flavor and vibrant textures, perfect for summertime meals.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Chill Time 15 minutes
Total Time 47 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Salad
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

For the Salad
  • 8 ounces Rigatoni Perfect base that adds structure and texture.
  • ½ cup Feta Cheese Creamy and tangy, essential for that Mediterranean flavor.
  • ½ cup Dried Cranberries Sweetness and chewiness elevate the dish’s taste.
  • ½ cup Toasted Walnuts For a crunchy element that adds richness.
  • 2 cups Baby Spinach Fresh greens that enhance visual appeal and nutrition.
  • ¼ cup Red Onion Introduces a sharp flavor contrast to balance sweetness.
For the Lemon Vinaigrette
  • ¼ cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil Richness that forms the vinaigrette's base.
  • 1 medium Fresh Lemon Juice Brightness that balances the entire salad experience.
  • 1 tablespoon Honey A touch of sweetness that ties the flavors together.
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon Mustard Adds depth for a more complex dressing flavor.

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Colander
  • Mixing Bowl
  • whisk

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add rigatoni and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 10-12 minutes. Drain and rinse under cold water.
  2. In a small mixing bowl, combine olive oil, lemon juice, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Whisk until emulsified and creamy.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, combine cooled rigatoni, feta, cranberries, walnuts, spinach, and red onion. Toss until evenly distributed.
  4. Drizzle vinaigrette over the salad mixture and gently toss to coat everything evenly without breaking the pasta or crumbling the feta too much.
  5. Serve immediately or let it chill in the refrigerator for 15 minutes to enhance flavors. Garnish with additional walnuts or feta if desired.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 10gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 7gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 15mgSodium: 300mgPotassium: 400mgFiber: 3gSugar: 8gVitamin A: 800IUVitamin C: 20mgCalcium: 200mgIron: 2mg

Notes

For best results, use fresh, high-quality ingredients. Allow the salad to chill for about 15 minutes before serving for enhanced flavors.

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