Cranberry Goat Cheese Orzo Salad Recipe
A refreshing and nutritious Cranberry & Goat Cheese Orzo Salad featuring tender orzo pasta, tangy goat cheese, sweet dried cranberries, crunchy nuts, and a zesty lemon-apple cider vinegar dressing. Perfect as a light meal or a flavorful side dish served chilled or at room temperature.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 10 mins
- Total Time: 20 mins
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup dry orzo
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1/3 cup goat cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup chopped red onion
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Dressing
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Orzo: Cook orzo according to package instructions until al dente, then drain and let it cool slightly to avoid overcooking and clumping.
- Toss with Olive Oil: Transfer the warm orzo to a large bowl and drizzle with olive oil, gently tossing to coat the pasta and prevent sticking.
- Add Fruits, Nuts, and Herbs: Incorporate dried cranberries, chopped red onion, optional walnuts or pecans, and fresh chopped parsley into the bowl, mixing evenly.
- Mix Dressing: Stir in fresh lemon juice and apple cider vinegar into the salad, seasoning with salt and black pepper to enhance the flavors.
- Fold in Goat Cheese: Just before serving, gently fold in the crumbled goat cheese to retain its creamy texture without breaking it down completely.
- Serve: Serve the salad chilled or at room temperature as a light meal or a delicious side dish.
Notes
- Optional nuts add a nice crunch but can be omitted for a nut-free version.
- This salad can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- For a vegan variation, substitute goat cheese with a plant-based cheese alternative.
- Adjust acidity and seasoning according to taste preference.
Find it online: https://hotsavors.com/cranberry-goat-cheese-orzo-salad-recipe/
