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Cranberry Feta Pasta Salad with Easy Lemon Herb Vinaigrette

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This vibrant cranberry feta pasta salad combines chewy dried cranberries, creamy feta, crisp veggies, and a zesty homemade lemon herb vinaigrette. It’s quick, crowd-pleasing, and perfect for potlucks, picnics, or a fresh weeknight meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 oz rotini pasta, dry
  • 3/4 cup dried cranberries
  • 1 cup feta cheese, crumbled (preferably block feta)
  • 1 medium English cucumber, diced (about 1 cup)
  • 1 medium red bell pepper, diced (about 1 cup)
  • 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup (or agave for vegan)
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard
  • 1 clove garlic, minced (optional)
  • 1/2 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped (or 1 tsp dried dill)
  • 1 tbsp fresh basil, chopped (optional)
  • 1/2 tsp kosher salt, plus more to taste
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper, freshly ground

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add rotini pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool.
  2. While pasta cooks, dice the cucumber and red bell pepper, finely chop the red onion and parsley, and crumble the feta cheese.
  3. In a small jar or bowl, combine olive oil, lemon juice, honey or maple syrup, Dijon mustard, garlic (if using), oregano, dill, basil, salt, and pepper. Shake or whisk until fully combined.
  4. In a large mixing bowl, add the cooled pasta, cucumber, bell pepper, red onion, cranberries, and parsley. Pour in half the vinaigrette and toss gently to coat.
  5. Add the crumbled feta and toss gently again, being careful not to break up the cheese too much. Add more vinaigrette as needed.
  6. Taste and adjust seasoning with extra salt, pepper, or lemon juice if desired.
  7. Cover and chill for at least 20 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld. Serve chilled or at cool room temperature.

Notes

For best results, use block feta and crumble by hand. Rinse pasta well to prevent sticking. Adjust vinaigrette sweetness or acidity to taste, depending on your cranberries. Chill before serving for best flavor. Easily made gluten-free or vegan with simple swaps.

Nutrition

Keywords: pasta salad, cranberry feta pasta salad, lemon herb vinaigrette, vegetarian, summer salad, potluck, picnic, easy pasta salad, make ahead, crowd pleaser

Find it online: https://blairrecipes.com/cranberry-feta-pasta-salad-recipe-easy-lemon-herb-vinaigrette/