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Feta & Cranberry Rigatoni Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette

A delightful dish that tantalizes your taste buds with its vibrant flavors, combining creamy feta and tangy cranberries with a zesty lemon vinaigrette.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 250

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups rigatoni pasta Choose quality pasta for the best texture.
  • 1 cup feta cheese, crumbled Adds creaminess and flavor.
  • 1/2 cup dried cranberries Provides sweetness and tartness.
  • 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped Offers crunch and sharpness.
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped Brightens the dish visually and flavor-wise.
  • 1/4 cup olive oil A healthy fat that enhances richness.
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice Brings acidity to balance flavors.
  • 1 teaspoon honey Adds a touch of sweetness to the vinaigrette.
  • 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard Contributes depth and complexity to the dressing.
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt Enhances overall taste of the salad.
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper Adds subtle heat and flavor enhancement.

Method
 

  1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rigatoni pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 10 to 12 minutes.
  2. Drain and Cool the Pasta: Drain the pasta in a colander and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Allow it to drain completely before transferring to a large mixing bowl.
  3. Prepare the Ingredients: Crumble the feta cheese into small pieces and set aside while measuring out the dried cranberries.
  4. Combine Everything Together: Finely chop the red onion and fresh parsley before adding them along with all other ingredients into the bowl with pasta, cranberries, and feta cheese.
  5. Whisk Up the Dressing: In a separate small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper until fully combined.
  6. Toss It All Together: Pour the lemon vinaigrette over the pasta mixture and gently toss everything together until evenly coated. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed before serving or refrigerating for about 30 minutes for enhanced flavor melding.

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 250kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 8gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 45mgSodium: 200mgFiber: 2gSugar: 15g

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