🧀🍋 Feta & Cranberry Rigatoni Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette 🍝✨
This light, tangy, and slightly sweet pasta salad is a perfect mix of creamy feta, tart cranberries, and zesty lemon vinaigrette. Great for picnics, potlucks, or a refreshing lunch! 🥗💛
Ingredients:
🍝 12 oz rigatoni pasta (or any short pasta)
🧀 1 cup crumbled feta cheese
🍇 ½ cup dried cranberries
🥬 2 cups baby spinach, chopped
🥒 ½ cup cucumber, diced (optional for extra crunch)
🌰 ¼ cup toasted walnuts or pecans (optional for added texture)
🧅 ¼ cup red onion, finely sliced
For the Lemon Vinaigrette:
🍋 ¼ cup fresh lemon juice
🛢️ ⅓ cup olive oil
🍯 1 tbsp honey (or maple syrup for a vegan option)
🧂 ½ tsp salt
⚫ ¼ tsp black pepper
🧄 1 clove garlic, minced
Instructions:
1️⃣ Cook the Pasta:
Boil rigatoni in salted water according to package directions.
Drain and rinse under cold water to cool.
2️⃣ Make the Dressing:
Whisk together lemon juice, olive oil, honey, salt, pepper, and garlic until well combined.
3️⃣ Assemble the Salad:
In a large bowl, toss together pasta, feta, cranberries, spinach, cucumber, walnuts, and red onion.
4️⃣ Dress & Serve:
Drizzle with lemon vinaigrette and toss gently.
Serve immediately or refrigerate for 30 minutes to let the flavors meld.
💡 Pro Tips & Variations:
✅ Want more protein? Add grilled chicken or chickpeas. 🍗🌱
✅ Make it heartier? Use whole wheat pasta for extra fiber.
✅ More zing? Add a sprinkle of lemon zest before serving. 🍋
A fresh & flavorful pasta salad perfect for any season! 😍