The Tangy Cranberry and Goat Cheese Orzo Salad Recipe

Culinary magic happens when cranberry and goat cheese orzo salad bursts with unexpected flavor combinations.

Mediterranean-inspired ingredients dance together in this delightful dish.

Bright crimson berries contrast beautifully against creamy white cheese crumbles.

Tender orzo pasta provides a perfect neutral canvas for these vibrant elements.

Herbs and light vinaigrette weave complex tastes into every delectable bite.

Seasonal ingredients shine through in this simple yet sophisticated recipe.

We promise you’ll fall in love with this refreshing and elegant salad that comes together in minutes.

Why This Goat Cheese Orzo Pops

• Whip Up Ease: Perfect for busy home cooks seeking a quick, no-fuss meal that requires minimal cooking skills and comes together in just a few simple steps.
• Versatile Delight: Adaptable dish that works brilliantly as a side, light lunch, or potluck contribution, making it a go-to recipe for various occasions and gatherings.
• Flavor Explosion: Combines tangy goat cheese, sweet cranberries, crunchy almonds, and fresh spinach for a balanced, mouthwatering blend of textures and tastes that'll make your taste buds dance.
• Nutrient-Packed Powerhouse: Loaded with healthy ingredients like spinach and almonds, offering a nutritious meal that doesn't compromise on flavor or satisfaction.

Reuben Crescent Bake Ingredient Guide

• Orzo: Small rice-shaped pasta perfect for salads.

• Dried Cranberries, Spinach: Sweet-tart berries and fresh leafy green add color and nutrition.

• Goat Cheese: Creamy and tangy cheese that crumbles beautifully.

• Almonds: Toasted nuts for a crunchy texture.

• Olive Oil, Balsamic Vinegar: Rich base for a smooth dressing.
• Lemon Juice: Bright citrus flavor.
• Honey: Natural sweetener.

• Salt, Pepper: Classic seasonings for balanced flavor.

• Fresh Parsley: Adds a pop of fresh herb flavor.

Reuben Crescent Bake: How to Prepare It

Step 1: Boil Orzo Perfectly

Fill a pot with water and add a pinch of salt. Bring water to a rolling boil over high heat. Pour orzo into the bubbling water and stir occasionally. Cook until pasta is tender but not mushy, typically 8-10 minutes. Drain orzo in a colander and rinse with cold water to stop cooking and prevent clumping.

Step 2: Whip Up Tangy Dressing

• Extra virgin olive oil
• Balsamic vinegar
• Fresh lemon juice
• Honey
• Salt
• Black pepper

Whisk ingredients together until they form a smooth, well-blended mixture.

Step 3: Create Flavor Layers

• Cooled orzo
• Tart dried cranberries
• Fresh baby spinach leaves
• Crumbled soft goat cheese
• Crunchy toasted almonds

Step 4: Drizzle and Combine

Pour prepared dressing over the salad ingredients. Use a large spoon to gently toss everything, ensuring each component gets coated with the zesty dressing.

Step 5: Finish With Fresh Herbs

Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley across the top. Serve chilled or at room temperature for a delightful summer-inspired dish.

Crescent Bake Tips That Make Every Reuben Bite Crave-Worthy

• Prevent Orzo Clumping: Rinse cooked orzo with cold water immediately after draining to stop the cooking process and prevent sticky pasta.
• Balance Tangy Flavors: Adjust honey in the dressing to soften the goat cheese's tanginess and create a harmonious taste profile.
• Boost Nutritional Value: Swap spinach with kale or arugula for additional nutrients and a peppery kick.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare this salad a day in advance to let flavors meld, making it perfect for meal prep or potlucks.
• Toast Nuts Perfectly: Carefully toast almonds in a dry skillet over medium heat, stirring constantly to prevent burning and enhance their nutty flavor.

Reuben Crescent Bake Storage and Heating Instructions

• Store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Keep the dressing separate to prevent soggy orzo and maintain the crispness of ingredients.
• Transfer the salad (without fresh herbs) to a freezer-safe container. Properly sealed, it can last up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
• When ready to eat, stir the salad gently and add a splash of olive oil or lemon juice to revive the flavors and restore moisture. Bring to room temperature for best taste.
• Enjoy straight from the refrigerator as a quick lunch or side dish. The flavors often develop and intensify after sitting for a few hours, making leftovers even more delicious.

Comfort Foods That Go with Crescent Bake

• Savor Sparkling White Wine Pairing: Crisp Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc will beautifully complement the tangy goat cheese and sweet cranberries, cutting through the salad's richness with bright acidity.
• Create Protein-Rich Side Match: Grilled lemon herb chicken or seared salmon perfectly balance the salad's lightness, adding substantial protein while maintaining the dish's fresh Mediterranean-inspired flavor profile.
• Boost Texture Contrast Companion: Crusty artisan sourdough bread provides delightful crunch and helps soak up the zesty balsamic dressing, creating a satisfying textural experience alongside the soft orzo and creamy goat cheese.
• Enhance Herbal Beverage Option: Crisp herbal iced tea with mint or rosemary infusion offers a refreshing non-alcoholic alternative that echoes the salad's bright, herbaceous undertones and cleanses the palate between bites.

Cranberry Orzo Salad Takes

• Vegan Version: Replace goat cheese with crumbled firm tofu or cashew cheese. Swap honey with maple syrup or agave nectar for plant-based sweetness.
• Gluten-Free Option: Substitute orzo with quinoa or brown rice pasta to make the salad celiac-friendly. Ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free.
• Mediterranean Makeover: Add diced cucumber, kalamata olives, and fresh mint. Swap almonds with pine nuts for a more authentic Mediterranean flavor profile.
• Protein-Packed Variation: Mix in grilled chicken strips, chickpeas, or edamame to increase protein content. Add extra herbs like oregano for additional depth.

FAQs

• Can I use frozen cranberries instead of dried cranberries?

Frozen cranberries will add too much moisture to the salad. Stick with dried cranberries for the best texture and concentrated flavor.

• Is goat cheese necessary for this recipe?

While goat cheese adds a tangy creaminess, you can substitute with feta or fresh mozzarella if needed. Each cheese will change the flavor profile slightly.

• How can I toast almonds at home?

Toast almonds in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-5 minutes, stirring constantly. Watch carefully to prevent burning. They’re done when they smell fragrant and turn golden brown.

• Can this salad be made ahead of time?

Yes, prepare the salad up to 2 days in advance. Keep the dressing separate and add just before serving to maintain the salad’s freshness and prevent soggy ingredients.

Cranberry and Goat Cheese Orzo Salad Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.9 from 14 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Cranberry and goat cheese orzo salad brings Mediterranean flavors dancing across your plate with tangy cheese and sweet-tart berries. Light pasta combines zesty ingredients, creating a refreshing dish perfect for summer gatherings or quick weeknight meals you’ll crave.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1 cup (237 ml) orzo pasta
• 3 ounces (85 grams) goat cheese, crumbled
• 1/2 cup (75 grams) dried cranberries
• 2 cups (60 grams) baby spinach, chopped
• 1/4 cup (30 grams) slivered almonds, toasted

Herbs and Seasonings:

• 2 tablespoons (8 grams) fresh parsley, chopped
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste

Dressing Ingredients:

• 3 tablespoons (45 ml) olive oil
• 1 tablespoon (15 ml) balsamic vinegar
• 1 tablespoon (15 ml) lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon (5 ml) honey

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Prepare a pot of generously salted water and cook orzo until it reaches an al dente texture, stirring occasionally to prevent clumping. Drain in a colander and immediately rinse with cool water to halt the cooking process and prevent sticking.
2. Create a vibrant vinaigrette by vigorously whisking olive oil, balsamic vinegar, freshly squeezed lemon juice, golden honey, and a pinch of salt and pepper until the mixture becomes smooth and well-integrated.
3. In a spacious mixing vessel, combine the cooled orzo with plump dried cranberries, verdant chopped spinach leaves, crumbled tangy goat cheese, and crunchy golden-toasted almonds.
4. Drizzle the prepared dressing over the salad components, using a gentle folding motion to ensure each ingredient is delicately coated without breaking the orzo or crushing the delicate spinach.
5. As a final flourish, scatter freshly chopped parsley across the surface. Serve the salad either thoroughly chilled or at a comfortable room temperature, allowing the flavors to meld and intensify.

Notes

• Cook orzo perfectly by keeping a close eye on the cooking time to avoid mushy texture, checking package instructions and testing doneness by tasting.
• Rinse orzo with cold water immediately after cooking to stop the cooking process and prevent clumping, ensuring a light and separate pasta texture.
• Toast almonds quickly in a dry skillet to enhance their nutty flavor and add a delightful crunch, watching carefully to prevent burning.
• Make this salad gluten-free by substituting orzo with quinoa or rice, maintaining the same delicious flavor profile and nutritional balance.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 315
• Sugar: 8 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 17 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 32 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 7 g
• Cholesterol: 10 mg