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Feta & Cranberry Rigatoni Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette

Feta & Cranberry Rigatoni Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette | Bright, Tangy & Perfectly Balanced!
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A refreshing rigatoni salad featuring feta cheese, dried cranberries, and a zesty lemon vinaigrette.

Ingredients

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  • 2 cups rigatoni pasta
  • 1 cup feta cheese, crumbled
  • 1⁄2 cup dried cranberries
  • 1⁄4 cup red onion, finely chopped
  • 1⁄4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1⁄4 cup olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon honey
  • 1⁄2 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1⁄4 teaspoon salt
  • 1⁄4 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil on the stove.
  2. Add the rigatoni pasta to the boiling water and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, typically around 10 to 12 minutes.
  3. Once the pasta is cooked, drain it in a colander and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process.
  4. Allow the pasta to drain completely and set it aside in a large mixing bowl.
  5. Crumble the feta cheese into small pieces using your fingers or a fork and set it aside.
  6. Measure out the dried cranberries and add them to the bowl with the pasta.
  7. Finely chop the red onion and add it to the bowl with the pasta, cranberries, and feta cheese.
  8. Chop the fresh parsley and sprinkle it over the pasta mixture.
  9. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper until the dressing is fully combined.
  10. Pour the lemon vinaigrette over the pasta and toss everything together gently until all the ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing.
  11. Taste the salad and adjust seasoning if needed, adding more salt or pepper if desired.
  12. Serve the salad immediately or refrigerate it for about 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
  13. Enjoy your feta and cranberry rigatoni salad with lemon vinaigrette!

Notes

  • Rinsing the pasta under cold water helps prevent it from becoming mushy.
  • You can substitute the feta with goat cheese for a creamier texture.
  • Add more honey or lemon juice if you prefer a sweeter or tangier dressing.
  • For extra crunch, consider adding toasted nuts like walnuts or almonds.
  • This salad can be made a day ahead, but it’s best enjoyed within 2 days for optimal freshness.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://www.spiritsdrink.com/feta-cranberry-rigatoni-salad-lemon/