Goat Cheese & Cranberry Orzo Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette is a fresh and vibrant dish that is perfect for any occasion. Combining flavors of creamy goat cheese, sweet dried cranberries, and crunchy nuts, this salad is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients.
Why Make This Recipe
This salad is perfect for a light lunch or a side dish at dinner. The combination of ingredients provides a great balance of flavors and textures. Plus, it’s easy to make and can be prepared in advance, making it a great choice for busy days or gatherings. It’s also versatile, allowing you to adjust ingredients to suit your taste.
How to Make Goat Cheese & Cranberry Orzo Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette
Ingredients:
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans, toasted
- 1/4 cup crumbled goat cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
- 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Directions:
- Cook orzo according to package instructions until al dente.
- Drain, rinse under cold water, and set aside.
- In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the vinaigrette ingredients until smooth.
- In a large bowl, combine orzo, cranberries, toasted nuts, parsley, and goat cheese.
- Pour vinaigrette over the salad and toss gently to combine.
- Chill for 15–30 minutes before serving for best flavor.
How to Serve Goat Cheese & Cranberry Orzo Salad
Serve this salad chilled or at room temperature. It makes a great side dish alongside grilled chicken or fish. You can also enjoy it on its own as a light lunch. Add extra toppings if you like, such as more nuts or fresh greens.
How to Store Goat Cheese & Cranberry Orzo Salad
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’s best enjoyed within 2-3 days. If the salad becomes dry, you can add a little extra vinaigrette before serving.
Tips to Make Goat Cheese & Cranberry Orzo Salad
- Toast the nuts for added flavor and crunch.
- Use a different type of cheese if you prefer, like feta or blue cheese.
- Add vegetables such as spinach or bell peppers for more color and nutrients.
Variation
You can customize this salad by using different grains like quinoa or barley instead of orzo. Feel free to swap the dried cranberries for other dried fruits like cherries or raisins.
FAQs
1. Can I make this salad in advance?
Yes, this salad can be made a day ahead of time. Just store it in the fridge and mix in the dressing right before serving.
2. Is this salad gluten-free?
The orzo pasta is not gluten-free, but you can use gluten-free pasta as a substitute to make this dish gluten-free.
3. Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried?
Fresh cranberries are quite tart, so they are not recommended for this salad. Dried cranberries add the right sweetness to balance the flavors.
