Mediterranean Pistachio Cranberry Chia Bars (No-Bake)
These bars are a delicious blend of roasted pistachios, dried cranberries, chia seeds, oats, and honey — inspired by Mediterranean flavors and textures. They’re chewy, nutrient-packed, naturally sweet, and perfect for a quick snack, breakfast bite, or healthy dessert.
⏱ Time
Prep: 10 minutes
Chill: 1 hour
Total: 1 hr 10 min
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
1 cup pistachios, roughly chopped
½ cup dried cranberries, chopped
1 ½ cups rolled oats
3 tbsp chia seeds
¼ cup unsweetened shredded coconut (optional)
Pinch of salt
Wet Ingredients
½ cup honey (or maple syrup)
¼ cup almond butter or tahini
1 tsp vanilla extract
Zest of 1 orange (Mediterranean touch)
Instructions
1. Prep Pan
Line an 8×8 or 9×9 pan with parchment paper.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine:
- Oats
- Pistachios
- Cranberries
- Chia seeds
- Coconut
- Salt
Mix well.
3. Warm Wet Ingredients
In a small saucepan on low heat:
Add honey + almond butter.
Stir until smooth and slightly runny (1–2 minutes).
Remove from heat, add vanilla + orange zest.
4. Combine
Pour warm mixture over dry ingredients.
Mix until everything is coated and sticky.
If mixture feels too dry, add 1–2 tbsp more honey.
5. Press
Transfer mixture to the prepared pan.
Press firmly with a spatula or your hands until compact.
6. Chill
Refrigerate 1 hour (or 20 minutes in the freezer) until firm.
7. Slice
Cut into bars or squares using a sharp knife.
Tips
Toast pistachios for extra flavor.
For softer bars, add 1–2 tbsp warm coconut oil.
To make them high-protein, add 2 tbsp protein powder.
Add pomegranate seeds on top for a fresh Mediterranean twist.
❓ Frequently asked questions FAQs
Do the bars need to stay refrigerated?
Yes — they stay firmer and fresher in the fridge.
Can I make them vegan?
Use maple syrup instead of honey + tahini instead of almond butter.
Can I use fresh cranberries?
No, fresh ones contain too much moisture. Only dried works.
Nutrition information
Calories: 180–220
Protein: 4–5g
Carbs: 22–26g
Fat: 8–10g
Fiber: 4–5g