Feta & Cranberry Rigatoni Salad

Feta & Cranberry Rigatoni Salad is a delicious and refreshing dish that brings together the tangy taste of feta cheese, the sweetness of dried cranberries, and the crunch of walnuts. This vibrant salad is perfect for lunch, dinner, or as a side dish for any gathering. It’s simple to make and packed with flavors that everyone will enjoy!

Why Make This Recipe

This salad is not only tasty but also healthy! With fresh ingredients like baby spinach and walnuts, it provides essential nutrients and a satisfying crunch. It can be made in just a few minutes, making it a great option for busy days. Plus, it’s perfect for meal prep and can be enjoyed cold, making it an ideal dish for picnics and potlucks.

How to Make Feta & Cranberry Rigatoni Salad

Ingredients:

2 cups cooked rigatoni (cooled)
1 cup baby spinach
1/2 cup feta cheese, cubed
1/3 cup dried cranberries
1/4 cup chopped walnuts
3 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 tsp Dijon mustard
Salt & black pepper, to taste

Directions:

Whisk the olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper together until well mixed.
In a large bowl, combine the cooled rigatoni, baby spinach, feta cheese, dried cranberries, and chopped walnuts.
Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine all the ingredients.
Chill the salad in the refrigerator for 15 minutes before serving to enhance the flavors.

How to Serve Feta & Cranberry Rigatoni Salad

Serve this salad cold or at room temperature. It can be a standalone meal or a side dish alongside grilled chicken, fish, or your favorite protein. For an extra touch, sprinkle some additional feta cheese or walnuts on top before serving.

How to Store Feta & Cranberry Rigatoni Salad

To store the salad, keep it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days. If you’re making it ahead of time, consider adding the walnuts just before serving for added crunch.

Tips to Make Feta & Cranberry Rigatoni Salad

Make sure the rigatoni is completely cooled before adding it to the salad to avoid wilting the spinach.
Feel free to adjust the amount of cranberries and walnuts to suit your taste preference.
For a twist, add other ingredients like cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, or even grilled chicken for extra protein.

Variation

You can easily swap out the feta cheese for goat cheese or mozzarella if you prefer a different flavor. Add other nuts like pecans or almonds for variety, or mix in some chopped herbs like basil or parsley for freshness.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes! You can use any pasta shape you like, such as penne or fusilli. Just make sure it’s cooked and cooled before mixing it with the other ingredients.

2. Is this salad gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta instead of regular rigatoni.

3. How long does this salad last in the fridge?
Feta & Cranberry Rigatoni Salad will last in the refrigerator for up to 3 days if stored in an airtight container.

Enjoy making and sharing this delightful Feta & Cranberry Rigatoni Salad at your next meal!