When it comes to crowd-pleasing side dishes, pasta salad has always been a go-to favorite. It’s versatile, filling, and perfect for gatherings, picnics, or weeknight dinners. But if you’re looking to elevate the ordinary pasta salad into something that feels gourmet yet approachable, look no further than Feta & Cranberry Rigatoni Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette.
This vibrant dish combines tender rigatoni pasta, tangy feta cheese, sweet dried cranberries, and crisp vegetables, all tossed in a bright and zesty lemon vinaigrette. The result is a salad that’s both refreshing and satisfying, making it equally suitable as a side dish or a light main course.
Why This Pasta Salad Works
What makes this pasta salad truly irresistible is the balance of flavors and textures:
- Creamy & Tangy: Feta cheese crumbles add a creamy, salty bite.
- Sweet & Chewy: Dried cranberries bring natural sweetness and a chewy texture.
- Crisp & Fresh: Fresh vegetables like cucumbers, bell peppers, or red onion add crunch.
- Bright & Zesty: A homemade lemon vinaigrette ties everything together with citrusy freshness.
Unlike heavy mayonnaise-based pasta salads, this version feels light and refreshing while still being hearty enough to fill you up.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Salad:
- 12 oz rigatoni pasta
- 1 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1 cup dried cranberries
- 1 medium cucumber, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- ½ small red onion, finely sliced
- ½ cup fresh parsley, chopped
For the Lemon Vinaigrette:
- ⅓ cup olive oil
- 3 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon honey (optional, to balance tartness)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Prep and Cook Time
- Preparation: 15 minutes
- Cooking (pasta): 10–12 minutes
- Total Time: 25–30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6–8
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook rigatoni until al dente according to package instructions. Drain, rinse under cool water, and set aside. Rinsing stops the cooking process and keeps the pasta from sticking together.
2. Prepare the Vinaigrette
In a small bowl or jar, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and pepper until emulsified. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
3. Combine the Salad Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, diced cucumber, bell pepper, red onion, dried cranberries, and parsley. Pour the vinaigrette over the mixture and toss gently to coat.
4. Add the Feta
Fold in the crumbled feta cheese just before serving to maintain its texture.
5. Chill and Serve
For best results, refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
Nutritional Information
- Calories: ~290
- Fat: 13g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Protein: 7g
- Sugar: 10g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sodium: 280mg
This pasta salad strikes a healthy balance between indulgence and nutrition—rich in fiber, protein, and bright, fresh flavors.
Presentation & Serving Ideas
- On a Platter: Serve in a wide, shallow dish to showcase the colorful ingredients.
- Garnished: Add a sprinkle of fresh parsley, lemon zest, or extra feta crumbles before serving.
- Meal Prep Friendly: Divide into airtight containers for ready-to-go lunches.
- Pairings: Perfect alongside grilled chicken, roasted salmon, or as part of a picnic spread with sandwiches.
Creative Variations
- Mediterranean Twist: Add olives, cherry tomatoes, and artichoke hearts for extra Mediterranean flair.
- Nutty Crunch: Toss in toasted walnuts, almonds, or pine nuts for added texture.
- Protein Boost: Mix in grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas to make it a complete meal.
- Herb Upgrade: Replace parsley with fresh basil or mint for a different flavor profile.
- Seasonal Switch: Substitute cranberries with pomegranate seeds during the holidays for festive color.
Tips for Success
- Cool the Pasta: Rinse the pasta under cold water right after cooking—this keeps the salad light instead of starchy.
- Balance Flavors: The lemon vinaigrette should be tangy but not overpowering—taste and adjust the honey or mustard as needed.
- Make Ahead: This salad tastes even better after a few hours in the fridge, making it a great make-ahead dish.
Why You’ll Love It
Feta & Cranberry Rigatoni Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette isn’t just another pasta salad—it’s a flavor-packed dish that feels fresh, wholesome, and a little bit indulgent. The sweet-and-savory combination of cranberries and feta ensures every bite is exciting, while the lemon vinaigrette keeps things light.
It’s the perfect dish for:
- Summer cookouts and barbecues
- Holiday buffets and potlucks
- Quick, make-ahead weekday lunches
- A side dish that doubles as a star of the table
If you’re searching for a pasta salad that goes beyond the basics, Feta & Cranberry Rigatoni Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette deserves a spot on your table. It’s vibrant, versatile, and surprisingly easy to make, yet it looks and tastes like something you’d find at a café.
With its refreshing lemony dressing, creamy feta, and bursts of sweet cranberry, this dish is proof that pasta salad doesn’t have to be ordinary—it can be extraordinary. Serve it once, and it’s bound to become a favorite in your recipe rotation.