Feta & Cranberry Rigatoni Salad – Bright, Tangy, and Satisfyingly Fresh

Introduction

This Feta & Cranberry Rigatoni Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette is a vibrant twist on traditional pasta salad. With its tender rigatoni, salty feta, sweet dried cranberries, and crisp veggies, every bite offers a perfect balance of flavor and texture. Tossed in a zesty lemon vinaigrette, it’s a refreshing dish that’s ideal for potlucks, lunches, or light dinners.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Zingy and Bright – Lemon vinaigrette lifts the flavors and keeps it light.
Salty-Sweet Balance – Creamy feta and tart cranberries make every bite exciting.
Make-Ahead Friendly – Perfect for prepping in advance and storing in the fridge.
Veggie-Packed – Bell peppers and greens add crunch, color, and nutrients.

Ingredients

For the salad:

• 6 oz rigatoni pasta (whole wheat or high-fiber if preferred)
• ½ cup reduced-fat feta cheese, crumbled
• ¼ cup dried cranberries
• 1 cup baby spinach or arugula, chopped
• ½ red bell pepper, diced
• ½ yellow bell pepper, diced
• 2 green onions, sliced

For the lemon vinaigrette:

• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 1 tsp lemon zest
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tsp honey (or preferred sweetener)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta
Boil rigatoni according to package directions until al dente. Drain, rinse under cold water, and 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, salt, and pepper until emulsified.

3. Assemble the Salad
In a large bowl, combine cooled pasta, feta, cranberries, spinach, bell peppers, and green onions.

4. Toss and Serve
Pour the vinaigrette over the salad and toss gently until everything is well coated. Chill for 20–30 minutes if desired, or serve immediately.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Calories: 295
Protein: 10g
Fat: 11g
Carbohydrates: 38g
Fiber: 5g
Sugar: 7g

Tips for Success

• Use Baby Greens – Spinach or arugula adds freshness without overpowering the other ingredients.
• Chill for Best Flavor – Letting the salad sit for 30 minutes enhances the flavors.
• Switch It Up – Swap in goat cheese, add chickpeas, or toss in toasted nuts for extra texture.
• Double the Vinaigrette – It keeps well in the fridge and works with other salads, too!

Why This Recipe Works

This salad is a smart combination of contrasting textures and complementary flavors. The rigatoni provides a hearty base, while the tangy feta and sweet cranberries pop with each bite. Finished with a lemon vinaigrette, it’s a feel-good meal that tastes like something you’d get from a café—only made at home in minutes.

Feta & Cranberry Rigatoni Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette brings together brightness, flavor, and nourishment in one easy dish. Whether served chilled or room temp, it’s a standout choice for lunch, picnics, or as a flavorful side that won’t weigh you down.