Description

This Cranberry & Goat Cheese Orzo Salad is a quick and delightful 20-minute dish perfect for a light lunch or side. Featuring tender orzo pasta mixed with tangy dried cranberries, creamy goat cheese, crunchy nuts, and a zesty lemon-apple cider vinegar dressing, it balances sweet, savory, and fresh flavors beautifully. Easy to prepare and served chilled or at room temperature, this salad is an irresistible favorite for any season.

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

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Instructions

Cook the Orzo: Cook orzo according to package instructions, usually boiling for about 8-10 minutes until tender. Drain it well and let it cool slightly to prevent overcooking and sticking.
Toss with Olive Oil: Transfer the slightly cooled orzo to a large mixing bowl. Drizzle with olive oil and gently toss to keep the grains separate and add a subtle richness.
Add Mix-ins: Add the dried cranberries, chopped red onion, and walnuts or pecans (if using), along with fresh parsley to the orzo bowl for bursts of flavor and texture.
Prepare the Dressing: Stir in lemon juice and apple cider vinegar to the mixture. Season well with salt and freshly ground black pepper to enhance all the flavors.
Fold in Goat Cheese: Just before serving, gently fold in the crumbled goat cheese, ensuring it’s evenly distributed without breaking it down too much to maintain creamy pockets throughout.
Serve: Serve the salad chilled or at room temperature as a refreshing side dish or light main, perfect for any occasion.

Notes

For added crunch, feel free to toast the nuts lightly before adding.
This salad can be made a few hours ahead and refrigerated; just add the goat cheese before serving.
For a nut-free version, omit walnuts or pecans.
Use fresh lemon juice for best flavor impact.
Orzo can be swapped with other small pasta shapes if preferred.