Goat Cheese & Cranberry Orzo Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette
The Goat Cheese & Cranberry Orzo Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette is a refreshing dish that combines the delightful flavors of creamy goat cheese, tart cranberries, and zesty lemon. This salad is not only easy to make but also makes a perfect side dish or a light meal. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or looking for a simple lunch, this salad will surely impress.
Why Make This Recipe
This recipe is a great choice for many reasons. First, it is quick to prepare and features wholesome ingredients. The combination of orzo pasta, dried cranberries, and nuts adds texture and flavor to the dish. Additionally, it can be served chilled, making it an excellent option for warm days or picnic outings. Plus, the lemon vinaigrette brings everything together with a bright and tangy taste.
How to Make Goat Cheese & Cranberry Orzo Salad
Ingredients:
- 1 cup dry orzo pasta
- 1/4 cup dried cranberries
- 2 oz goat cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 2 tablespoons chopped toasted walnuts or pecans (optional)
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Directions:
- Cook orzo according to package instructions. Drain and rinse under cool water to stop cooking.
- In a small bowl, whisk together all ingredients for the lemon vinaigrette.
- In a large bowl, combine cooked orzo, cranberries, goat cheese, parsley, and nuts if using.
- Pour vinaigrette over the salad and toss to combine.
- Adjust seasoning to taste. Chill for 15–20 minutes before serving for the best flavor.
How to Serve Goat Cheese & Cranberry Orzo Salad
You can serve this salad on its own as a light meal or as a side dish with grilled chicken or fish. It is best served chilled, so make sure to let it sit in the refrigerator for a little while before serving. Garnish with extra parsley or crumbled goat cheese for a beautiful presentation.
How to Store Goat Cheese & Cranberry Orzo Salad
This salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. If you have any leftovers, make sure to keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to eat. This will help keep the salad fresh for longer.
Tips to Make Goat Cheese & Cranberry Orzo Salad
- For added flavor, try toasting the orzo lightly in a dry pan before cooking it.
- To make the salad even more vibrant, add diced bell peppers or cucumbers.
- Taking time to chill the salad enhances the flavors, so don’t skip this step!
Variation
Feel free to customize this recipe by adding ingredients like grilled chicken for protein, spinach for extra greens, or avocado for creaminess. You can also switch dried cranberries for other dried fruits like apricots or raisins.
FAQs
1. Can I use a different type of pasta instead of orzo?
Yes, you can substitute orzo with any small pasta shape like couscous, or even quinoa for a gluten-free option.
2. Is it possible to make this salad vegan?
Yes! You can swap out the goat cheese for a plant-based cheese or omit it entirely. Use maple syrup instead of honey for the vinaigrette.
3. What can I do if I don’t have lemon?
If you don’t have fresh lemon, you can use vinegar, like apple cider or white wine vinegar, as a substitute for the vinaigrette. Adjust the quantity to taste.
