Mediterranean Pistachio–Cranberry Chia Bars
Soft, chewy, antioxidant-rich bars made with pistachios, cranberries, oats, chia seeds, honey, and olive oil — inspired by Mediterranean flavors. They’re wholesome, heart-healthy, and great for meal prep.
⏱ Total Time
Prep: 10 minutes
Set: 1 hour
Total: 1 hr 10 min
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
1 cup rolled oats
½ cup shelled pistachios (roughly chopped)
½ cup dried cranberries (reduced-sugar preferred)
2 tbsp chia seeds
2 tbsp sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds (optional)
Pinch of salt
Wet Ingredients
¼ cup honey or maple syrup
2 tbsp olive oil or coconut oil
1 tsp vanilla extract
1–2 tbsp warm water (only if needed)
Instructions
1. Mix Dry Ingredients
In a bowl, combine:
- Oats
- Chopped pistachios
- Cranberries
- Chia seeds
- Salt
- (Optional) sunflower/pumpkin seeds
Stir well.
2. Combine Wet Ingredients
In a separate small bowl:
Whisk honey, olive oil, and vanilla.
If mixture is too thick, add 1 tbsp warm water.
3. Form the Mixture
1. Pour wet mixture over the dry ingredients.
2. Mix until everything is well coated and sticky.
If the mixture feels dry, add ½–1 tbsp warm water.
4. Shape the Bars
1. Line a small tray or dish with parchment paper.
2. Press the mixture firmly into the dish using a spatula or your hands.
3. Make sure it’s tightly compacted — this helps the bars hold together.
5. Chill
Refrigerate for 1 hour (or 20–25 minutes in the freezer) until firm.
6. Cut Into Bars
Remove from the tray and slice into 8–12 bars.
Tips
Add 2 tbsp tahini or almond butter for extra Mediterranean flavor.
For crunchier bars: toast oats and pistachios for 5 minutes before mixing.
For softer bars: add 1 tbsp more honey.
For a no-sugar version: use dried cranberries without added sugar or replace with chopped dates.
Nutritional Information
Calories: 130–160
Protein: 3–4g
Carbs: 16–20g
Fat: 6–8g
Fiber: 2–3g