Description
Mediterranean-inspired rigatoni salad blends tangy feta and sweet cranberries in a zesty lemon vinaigrette. Crisp herbs and creamy cheese create a perfect summer meal that will delight pasta enthusiasts seeking fresh, balanced flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta and Main Ingredients:
- 12 ounces (340 grams) rigatoni pasta
- 1/2 cup (75 grams) crumbled feta cheese
- 2 cups (60 grams) baby spinach
Dried and Chopped Ingredients:
- 1/3 cup (50 grams) dried cranberries
- 1/4 cup (30 grams) toasted walnuts, chopped
- 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
Instructions
- Cook rigatoni in a pot of salted boiling water until perfectly tender, following package guidelines. Immediately drain and cool the pasta under a gentle stream of cold water to halt further cooking.
- Craft a zesty vinaigrette by vigorously whisking olive oil, freshly squeezed lemon juice, golden honey, robust Dijon mustard, and a delicate blend of salt and pepper in a compact mixing bowl.
- Transform a spacious mixing vessel into a canvas of culinary delight by layering the chilled pasta, crumbled tangy feta, vibrant dried cranberries, richly toasted walnuts, delicate baby spinach leaves, and thinly sliced crimson onion.
- Elevate the salad’s flavor profile by gracefully drizzling the prepared lemon vinaigrette across the ingredients, then gently toss using soft folding motions to ensure each component receives a harmonious coating.
- Present the salad immediately for optimal freshness, or allow it to rest in the refrigerator for approximately 15 minutes to let the flavors meld and intensify, creating a more complex taste experience.
Notes
- Toast nuts carefully to enhance their flavor without burning, watching them closely in a dry skillet or oven.
- Substitute feta with goat cheese or vegan alternative for dairy-free dietary needs, maintaining creamy texture.
- Rinse pasta under cold water thoroughly to prevent clumping and cool down quickly for a perfect chilled salad consistency.
- Adjust vinaigrette’s tanginess by balancing lemon juice and honey, tasting as you mix for personalized flavor profile.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 10 g
- Sodium: 300 mg
- Fat: 16 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 47 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 10 g
- Cholesterol: 10 mg