Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Boil a large pot of salted water. Cook rigatoni according to package directions for al dente.
- Drain the pasta in a colander and rinse well with cold water to stop the cooking and remove starch. Shake off as much water as possible.
- In a mason jar or small bowl, combine all vinaigrette ingredients (olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon, honey, minced garlic, salt, pepper). Shake or whisk vigorously until emulsified.
- In a large serving bowl, add the cooled pasta, hand-crumbled feta, dried cranberries, and optional toasted pine nuts.
- Pour about 3/4 of the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine everything well.
- Just before serving, add the fresh baby spinach and toss one last time to wilt the greens slightly.
- Serve immediately, or chill for up to 1 hour. Add remaining dressing if the pasta seems dry.
Notes
Make-Ahead: Prepare the salad base (pasta, feta, cranberries) and dressing, storing them separately in the fridge. Add the spinach just before serving to keep it crisp.