Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my Feta Cranberry Rigatoni Salad! It’s like a burst of summer on your plate! Imagine sitting outside on a warm day, surrounded by friends, and digging into this refreshing salad that just sings with flavor. The creamy crumbles of feta, sweet-tart cranberries, and the crunch of fresh vegetables come together in a way that makes your taste buds dance! I first made this for a backyard barbecue, and it was a total hit! People kept going back for seconds, and I was thrilled to share the recipe. It’s the perfect balance of textures and tastes, and honestly, it’s such a breeze to whip up. You just can’t go wrong with this dish, whether it’s a picnic or a potluck—everyone will be asking for the recipe!
Ingredients for Feta Cranberry Rigatoni Salad
Now, let’s gather everything we need for this delightful salad! Here’s what you’ll want:
- 8 oz rigatoni pasta – the perfect shape for holding onto all that delicious dressing!
- 1 cup feta cheese, crumbled – creamy and tangy, it’s really the star of the show.
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries – these add a lovely touch of sweetness and chewiness.
- 1/4 cup red onion, diced – for a little crunch and a pop of color.
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved – juicy and fresh, they brighten up the dish!
- 1/4 cup olive oil – this is our luscious dressing base.
- 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar – it adds a tangy depth that ties everything together.
- Salt and pepper to taste – don’t forget to season; it really brings the flavors out!
Feel free to get creative—adding a bit of your favorite herbs or spices can elevate this salad even more!
How to Prepare Feta Cranberry Rigatoni Salad
Alright, let’s dive into making this delicious Feta Cranberry Rigatoni Salad! Don’t worry; it’s super simple and fun! Just follow these steps, and you’ll be ready to impress your friends and family in no time!
Step 1: Cook the Rigatoni Pasta
First things first, you’ll want to cook the rigatoni pasta according to the package instructions. Usually, that means boiling it in salted water for about 8-10 minutes until it’s al dente. Once it’s done, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to cool it down. This helps stop the cooking and keeps it from getting mushy.
Step 2: Combine Ingredients
Now, grab a large bowl and throw in that cooled rigatoni. Add the crumbled feta cheese, dried cranberries, diced red onion, and halved cherry tomatoes. Just picture that vibrant mix of colors! Gently toss everything together until it’s well combined. You want to keep that lovely feta intact while making sure every ingredient gets a little love.
Step 3: Make the Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper. It’s so easy, and the aroma of the balsamic will make your mouth water! This dressing is what brings the whole salad to life, so make sure to mix it really well until it’s nice and smooth.
Step 4: Toss and Chill
Pour that delicious dressing over your pasta salad and toss everything gently again to coat all those ingredients beautifully. Now, here’s the secret—let it chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows all those flavors to mingle and develop! Trust me, it’s worth the wait!
Tips for Success
Alright, let’s make this Feta Cranberry Rigatoni Salad even more fabulous! Here are my top tips for success! First off, if you want to mix things up, feel free to swap out the feta for goat cheese or even a tangy blue cheese for a different flavor profile. You could also add some toasted nuts like walnuts or pecans for a delightful crunch! If you’re feeling adventurous, toss in some fresh herbs like basil or parsley—they’ll add a lovely freshness!
Another great tip is to let the salad sit a bit longer in the fridge, if you can, because the flavors just get better with time. And if you like a bit of a kick, a sprinkle of red pepper flakes can elevate the flavor nicely. Just remember to taste and adjust your seasoning before serving; a little extra salt or pepper can truly bring everything together!
Variations on Feta Cranberry Rigatoni Salad
One of the best things about this Feta Cranberry Rigatoni Salad is how versatile it is! If you want to change things up, consider adding some crunchy cucumbers or bell peppers for an extra layer of freshness. You could even throw in some avocado for a creamy twist that pairs beautifully with the feta!
If you’re craving protein, chopped grilled chicken or shrimp can turn this salad into a hearty meal. For a vegetarian option, try adding chickpeas for a protein boost that also gives a nice texture. And if you love a bit of zest, sprinkle in some lemon zest or a handful of fresh herbs like basil or mint to brighten up the flavors even more!
The possibilities are endless, so don’t hesitate to get creative and make this salad your own!
Serving Suggestions
Now that you’ve got this vibrant Feta Cranberry Rigatoni Salad ready to shine, let’s talk about what to serve alongside it! This salad pairs beautifully with a variety of dishes. If you’re in the mood for something hearty, a grilled chicken breast seasoned with lemon and herbs makes for a perfect match. The lightness of the salad complements the savory flavors of the chicken so well!
If you want to keep it vegetarian, try serving it with stuffed bell peppers or even some crispy falafel. The crunchy texture of the falafel contrasts nicely with the creamy feta and chewy cranberries. And don’t forget about a nice slice of crusty bread or a warm pita on the side—perfect for scooping up any leftover salad dressing!
For a refreshing drink, you can’t go wrong with a chilled white sangria or a simple sparkling water with a splash of citrus. Enjoy your meal!
Nutritional Information
Let’s take a quick look at the nutritional goodness packed into each serving of this Feta Cranberry Rigatoni Salad! Each cup is estimated to have around 350 calories, with 18g of fat, 10g of protein, and 40g of carbohydrates. It also contains 10g of sugar and 3g of fiber, making it a satisfying option for your meal. Remember, these values are estimates, so feel free to adjust based on your specific ingredient choices!
FAQ About Feta Cranberry Rigatoni Salad
Got questions about this delicious Feta Cranberry Rigatoni Salad? I’ve got you covered! First off, if you have leftovers, just store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors will continue to meld beautifully, so it’s a great make-ahead option!
If you’re looking for dietary modifications, you can easily make this salad gluten-free by using gluten-free rigatoni. For a vegan version, swap out the feta for a plant-based cheese or simply leave it out and add more veggies for flavor. Also, if you’re trying to cut down on sugar, feel free to reduce the amount of dried cranberries or use unsweetened ones.
And remember, this salad is super forgiving—feel free to play around with the ingredients based on what you have on hand or what you love!
Print
Feta Cranberry Rigatoni Salad: 5 Flavorful Twists to Try
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A refreshing pasta salad with feta cheese and cranberries.
Ingredients
- 8 oz rigatoni pasta
- 1 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1/4 cup red onion, diced
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook rigatoni according to package instructions. Drain and cool.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta, feta, cranberries, red onion, and cherry tomatoes.
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the dressing over the pasta salad and toss gently to combine.
- Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Feel free to add other vegetables like cucumbers or bell peppers.
- This salad can be made a day ahead for better flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: Feta Cranberry Rigatoni Salad