Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe is easy to prepare, full of contrasting textures, and ideal for making ahead. The creamy feta dressing is rich without being heavy, and the cranberries add just the right amount of sweetness to keep the dish fresh and balanced.
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Creamy Feta and Cranberry Rigatoni Salad: A Festive, Flavor-Packed Pasta Dish
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A festive creamy rigatoni salad tossed with tangy feta, sweet cranberries, and a smooth herbed dressing, perfect for holidays or make-ahead gatherings.
Ingredients
- 12 oz rigatoni pasta
- 1 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 3/4 cup dried cranberries
- 1/3 cup red onion, finely diced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Cook rigatoni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water.
- In a large bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Add cooled rigatoni to the bowl and toss to coat evenly.
- Fold in feta cheese, dried cranberries, red onion, and parsley.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Chill before serving for best flavor.
- Add toasted walnuts or pecans for extra crunch.
- Can be made up to 24 hours in advance.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Boiling / Mixing
- Cuisine: Mediterranean-Inspired
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Rigatoni pasta
Provides a sturdy shape that holds the creamy dressing well.
Feta cheese
Adds tangy, salty flavor and creamy crumbles throughout.
Dried cranberries
Bring sweetness and festive color.
Greek yogurt
Forms the base of the creamy dressing with light tang.
Mayonnaise
Adds richness and smooth texture to the dressing.
Olive oil
Enhances flavor and helps emulsify the dressing.
Honey
Balances the tanginess of the feta and yogurt.
Lemon juice
Adds brightness and freshness.
Garlic
Provides subtle savory depth.
Black pepper
Adds gentle warmth and balance.
Salt
Enhances overall flavor.
Fresh parsley or dill
Adds freshness and visual appeal.
Directions
Begin by cooking the rigatoni in well-salted water until al dente. Drain and rinse briefly under cool water to stop the cooking, then allow the pasta to cool completely.
In a mixing bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, olive oil, honey, lemon juice, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper until smooth and creamy.
Add the cooled pasta to a large bowl. Toss gently with the dressing until evenly coated. Fold in crumbled feta cheese and dried cranberries, mixing carefully to avoid breaking the pasta.
Finish with chopped fresh herbs. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
Equipment needed
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
Full-Size Blender – is a powerful kitchen appliance for making smoothies, soups, and sauces in large batches.
3-in-1 Air Fryer – This versatile 3-in-1 air fryer offers Air Fry for healthier meals with less oil, Bake for bakery-quality desserts and treats, and Reheat to bring leftovers back to life with crispy, flavorful results
Servings and timing
Serves 6–8
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 10 minutes
Chilling time: 30 minutes
Total time: about 55 minutes
Storage/reheating
Store the pasta salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Stir gently before serving and add a small splash of olive oil or yogurt if it thickens. This dish is best served chilled and does not require reheating.
Variations and Customizations
Spinach Feta Cranberry Salad
Add fresh baby spinach for color and nutrition.
Nutty Crunch Version
Add toasted walnuts or pecans.
Protein-Packed Salad
Add grilled chicken or chickpeas.
Orange Cranberry Rigatoni
Add orange zest for citrus brightness.
Vegan-Friendly Option
Use dairy-free feta and plant-based yogurt.
Extra Creamy Version
Increase mayonnaise slightly for richer texture.
Whole Wheat Pasta Salad
Use whole wheat rigatoni for added fiber.
Holiday Herb Twist
Add rosemary or thyme for festive aroma.
Peppery Arugula Addition
Fold in arugula just before serving.
Make-It-Ahead Party Salad
Prepare a day ahead for deeper flavor.
FAQs
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, it tastes even better after chilling.
Is this salad sweet?
It is balanced with gentle sweetness from cranberries.
Can I use another pasta shape?
Yes, penne or fusilli work well.
What feta is best?
Block feta in brine provides the best flavor.
Can I reduce the creaminess?
Yes, reduce mayonnaise and increase yogurt.
Is this salad kid-friendly?
Yes, the flavors are mild and approachable.
Can I add vegetables?
Yes, cucumbers or roasted squash work well.
Does this salad travel well?
Yes, it is great for potlucks.
Is it gluten-free?
Use gluten-free pasta to make it gluten-free.
Can I serve it warm?
It is best served chilled or at room temperature.
Conclusion
Creamy Feta and Cranberry Rigatoni Salad is a beautifully balanced dish that combines creamy texture, tangy cheese, and sweet bursts of cranberry in every bite. Easy to prepare and perfect for make-ahead meals, it works equally well as a side dish or a light main. Whether served at a holiday table or packed for lunch, this pasta salad delivers comfort, freshness, and festive flavor in a simple yet memorable way.
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