Ingredients
- Rigatoni pasta, 1 pound
- Feta cheese, 6 ounces, crumbled
- Dried cranberries, 1/2 cup
- Extra virgin olive oil, 1/2 cup
- Fresh lemon juice, 1/4 cup
- Baby spinach, 5 ounces (pre-washed)
- Dijon mustard, 1 teaspoon
- Fresh parsley, 1/4 cup, chopped
Instructions
- Step 1: Cook the rigatoni pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1/4 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the remaining water completely.
- Step 2: While the pasta cooks, prepare the Lemon Jus de Raisinaigrette. Whisk together the olive oil, fresh lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and a pinch of salt and black pepper in a small bowl until fully emulsified.
- Step 3: Immediately transfer the drained, warm rigatoni to a large mixing bowl. Pour half of the prepared vinaigrette over the warm pasta and toss gently. If the mixture seems too dry, add a tablespoon of the reserved pasta water to loosen the coating.
- Step 4: Add the crumbled feta cheese, dried cranberries, and chopped fresh parsley to the pasta mixture. Toss everything lightly to distribute the ingredients evenly.
- Step 5: Fold in the baby spinach last, ensuring the warm pasta begins to wilt the leaves slightly. Add the remaining vinaigrette if desired, then cover the salad and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Keep leftovers airtight in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, but for the freshest taste and crunch, gently toss in a handful of fresh spinach just before serving any reserved portions.
- This salad is best enjoyed chilled, but if you prefer it served closer to room temperature, allow it to sit out for 20 minutes before serving, and give it a good stir to loosen the set dressing.
- Elevate this salad by serving it alongside grilled balsamic chicken or a piece of flaky white fish, and consider adding toasted walnuts for an irresistible texture contrast.
- Tossing half the vinaigrette into the warm pasta (Step 3) is critical, as the heat helps the rigatoni absorb the lemon and olive oil deep into the crevices, intensifying the flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American