This Feta & Cranberry Rigatoni Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette is a vibrant, flavor-packed dish that’s perfect for lunch, potlucks, or a refreshing side. Creamy feta, sweet cranberries, crunchy toasted walnuts, and fresh baby spinach all come together with a zesty lemon vinaigrette for a bold and satisfying bite. It’s quick, colorful, and healthy—making it as perfect for entertaining as it is for everyday meals.

Full Recipe: 

Ingredients

For the Salad:

• 12 oz rigatoni pasta

• ½ cup crumbled feta cheese

• ⅓ cup dried cranberries

• ¼ cup toasted walnuts, chopped

• 2 cups baby spinach

• ¼ red onion, thinly sliced

For the Lemon Vinaigrette:

• 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

• 1 teaspoon honey

• ½ teaspoon Dijon mustard

• Salt and black pepper, to taste

Directions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook rigatoni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water.

2. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper.

3. In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked pasta, feta, cranberries, toasted walnuts, spinach, and red onion.

4. Drizzle with lemon vinaigrette and toss gently to coat all ingredients.

5. Serve immediately or chill for 15 minutes to allow the flavors to blend.

Nutrients

Serving Size: 1 of 4 servings

• Calories: 280 kcal

• Carbohydrates: 35g

• Protein: 8g

• Fat: 12g

• Saturated Fat: 3.5g

• Unsaturated Fat: 8g

• Sugar: 5g

• Fiber: 3g

• Sodium: 220mg

• Cholesterol: 15mg

A Modern Mediterranean-Inspired Fusion

Drawing inspiration from Mediterranean flavors, this pasta salad adds a modern twist by integrating both sweet and savory elements. The feta cheese adds a creamy, salty edge, contrasting perfectly with the chewy sweetness of dried cranberries. Toasted walnuts bring a nutty depth and satisfying crunch, while the lemon vinaigrette ties everything together with a clean, citrusy brightness. It’s a flavor combination that works across seasons—light enough for summer dining but hearty and colorful enough for winter potlucks or holiday spreads.

Why Rigatoni Works So Well

Rigatoni is a pasta that holds up beautifully in salads. Its ridged surface and wide tubes capture the vinaigrette and bits of feta and cranberry, ensuring every bite is well-coated and flavorful. Unlike more delicate pastas that can become soggy or lose their shape, rigatoni stays firm and chewy, making it ideal for make-ahead meals and dishes that need to hold up over time. Its substantial size also balances well with the texture of spinach and the density of walnuts, making the salad feel substantial and satisfying.

Perfect for Any Occasion

This salad shines in a variety of settings—from casual lunches to festive dinner parties. It’s easy to prepare in advance, making it a go-to dish for entertaining. Serve it cold or at room temperature, which makes it ideal for outdoor gatherings, potlucks, and buffets where refrigeration might not be available. It’s also a standout lunch option, providing a balanced mix of carbs, protein, and healthy fats that will keep you full without weighing you down. The flavors improve as they sit, making leftovers even better the next day.

A Colorful and Wholesome Combination

Visually, this salad is a feast for the eyes. The bright green baby spinach, deep red cranberries, golden toasted walnuts, and crumbled white feta all pop against the pale backdrop of rigatoni. It’s a colorful medley that hints at the delicious flavors within. Nutritionally, this pasta salad is balanced and nourishing. The whole ingredients contribute protein, fiber, and essential nutrients. The lemon vinaigrette adds a burst of vitamin C, while olive oil offers heart-healthy fats. It’s a dish that not only tastes good but also leaves you feeling good—light, energized, and satisfied.

The Bright Citrus Vinaigrette That Elevates It All

The lemon vinaigrette is what makes this dish sing. A blend of extra virgin olive oil, fresh lemon juice, honey, Dijon mustard, and seasoning, it’s zesty, slightly sweet, and packed with flavor. The acidity of the lemon cuts through the richness of the feta and pasta, while the touch of honey softens the tartness just enough to highlight the cranberries. Dijon mustard acts as a subtle emulsifier, helping the dressing cling to each piece of pasta and leaf of spinach. It’s the kind of simple vinaigrette you’ll find yourself making for other dishes, too.

Quick to Prepare, Impressive to Serve

Despite its gourmet flavor, this pasta salad is incredibly easy to prepare. Most of the ingredients require little to no prep, and the vinaigrette comes together in just a minute or two. The rigatoni cooks quickly, and while it cools, you can prep the other ingredients and whisk together the dressing. Assembly takes only a few minutes—toss everything in a large bowl, drizzle with the vinaigrette, and give it a gentle mix. For best flavor, let it chill briefly before serving, allowing the ingredients to absorb the dressing and blend harmoniously.

Customizable to Fit Any Diet

One of the most appealing things about this salad is how easy it is to adapt to different dietary needs. To make it vegetarian, simply ensure your feta is made without animal rennet. For a vegan version, swap the feta with a dairy-free alternative and use maple syrup or agave in place of honey. You can also make it gluten-free by using a gluten-free rigatoni or any other gluten-free pasta you enjoy. Want to add more protein? Toss in some grilled chicken or chickpeas. Prefer a punchier flavor? Try adding chopped sun-dried tomatoes or olives for a savory Mediterranean twist.

Ideal for Meal Prep and Leftovers

This pasta salad holds up exceptionally well when stored, making it perfect for meal prep. It can be made a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container. In fact, giving it a little time to rest helps the flavors deepen and meld. If the salad seems dry the next day, a quick splash of lemon juice or a drizzle of olive oil will bring it right back to life. It’s a great dish to pack for work lunches or to keep on hand for quick dinners when time is short.

Serving Suggestions to Make It a Meal

While it works beautifully as a standalone dish, this salad also pairs well with a variety of mains. Serve it alongside grilled chicken or salmon for a complete, protein-rich dinner. Pair it with a bowl of soup in colder months for a comforting, balanced meal. You can even scoop it into lettuce cups or wrap it in a tortilla for a creative lunch option. The flavors are flexible enough to work in many different combinations, which makes this salad a valuable staple in your recipe rotation.

Conclusion

Feta & Cranberry Rigatoni Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette is the kind of dish that offers everything—color, crunch, creaminess, and a burst of bright flavor with every bite. It’s easy to make, a joy to serve, and endlessly adaptable to your tastes or what you have on hand. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, packing lunch, or just looking for a refreshing new take on pasta salad, this recipe delivers both substance and style. It proves that with the right mix of ingredients, even the simplest dishes can become something truly special. From weekday lunches to weekend entertaining, this salad will quickly become one of your go-to favorites.