Feta & Cranberry Rigatoni Salad (Fresh, Festive & Flavor-Packed)

When you want a pasta salad that feels both comforting and vibrant, feta & cranberry rigatoni salad is the perfect choice. This dish combines tender rigatoni pasta with salty crumbled feta, sweet dried cranberries, fresh herbs, and a bright, lightly sweetened vinaigrette that ties everything together beautifully.

It’s the kind of salad that works year-round — light and refreshing enough for spring and summer, yet festive and cozy enough for fall gatherings and holiday tables. Whether you’re serving it as a side dish, a vegetarian main, or a make-ahead potluck favorite, this pasta salad delivers big flavor with simple ingredients.

Balanced, colorful, and irresistibly delicious, this recipe proves that pasta salad doesn’t have to be boring.

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Why Feta and Cranberries Are a Perfect Match

The magic of this rigatoni salad lies in contrast. Sweet dried cranberries and tangy feta cheese create a flavor combination that’s both bold and harmonious.

What each brings to the dish:

• Feta cheese: Salty, creamy, and slightly tangy
• Dried cranberries: Sweet, chewy bursts of flavor
• Rigatoni: Hearty pasta that holds dressing beautifully

Together, they create a salad that’s layered, satisfying, and exciting in every bite.

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Why Rigatoni Works Best

Rigatoni is ideal for this salad because:

• Its ridges catch the vinaigrette
• Its sturdy shape holds up well after chilling
• It balances lighter ingredients like herbs and feta

You can substitute other short pastas if needed, but rigatoni offers the best texture and presentation.

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Ingredients

For Feta & Cranberry Rigatoni Salad

• Rigatoni pasta
• Crumbled feta cheese
• Dried cranberries
• Red onion, finely diced
• Fresh parsley, chopped
• Optional: toasted walnuts or pecans

For the Vinaigrette

• Extra-virgin olive oil
• Fresh lemon juice or red wine vinegar
• Dijon mustard
• Honey or maple syrup
• Salt
• Black pepper

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Instructions

1. Cook rigatoni pasta in well-salted water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse briefly with cool water.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and black pepper until emulsified.
3. In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked pasta, dried cranberries, feta cheese, red onion, and parsley.
4. Pour vinaigrette over the pasta mixture.
5. Toss gently until everything is evenly coated.
6. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
7. Chill for at least 20–30 minutes before serving for best flavor.

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Pro Tips for the Best Pasta Salad

• Salt the pasta water generously: It’s your main seasoning layer
• Cool pasta slightly: Prevents feta from melting
• Add feta last: Keeps it crumbly, not mushy
• Chill before serving: Enhances flavor

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Delicious Variations

• Mediterranean Style: Add olives and cucumber
• Holiday Version: Add orange zest and toasted pecans
• Protein Boost: Add grilled chicken or chickpeas
• Greens Upgrade: Toss in baby arugula or spinach
• Vegan Option: Use plant-based feta

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Serving Suggestions

Serve feta & cranberry rigatoni salad:

• As a holiday side dish
• Alongside grilled meats
• As a vegetarian lunch
• At potlucks and picnics

It pairs beautifully with roasted chicken, turkey, or salmon.

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Make-Ahead & Storage Tips

• Can be made up to 24 hours in advance
• Store covered in the refrigerator
• Stir before serving and refresh with olive oil if needed
• Keeps well for up to 3 days

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Why This Recipe Is a Crowd Favorite

This pasta salad stands out because it’s:

• Visually beautiful
• Balanced between sweet and savory
• Easy to prepare
• Adaptable for any occasion

It feels elevated without being complicated.

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Final Thoughts

Feta & cranberry rigatoni salad is proof that pasta salad can be exciting, elegant, and comforting all at once. With its vibrant colors, bold flavors, and easy preparation, it’s a recipe you’ll come back to again and again.

Perfect for holidays, meal prep, or everyday meals, this salad belongs in your regular rotation