Orzo and Cranberry Chickpea Salad with Feta and Lemon Oregano Dressing
A vibrant Mediterranean salad made with tender orzo pasta, protein-packed chickpeas, sweet dried cranberries, and creamy feta. Tossed in a zesty lemon-oregano dressing, it’s a perfect balance of savory, tangy, and slightly sweet flavors. Great for lunch, picnics, or as a side dish for grilled meats and seafood.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 10 minutes (for orzo)
Total time: 25 minutes
Ingredients
Salad:
1 cup dry orzo pasta
1 (15 oz) can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
½ cup dried cranberries
½ cup cucumber, diced
½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved
⅓ cup red onion, finely chopped
½ cup crumbled feta cheese
¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
2 tbsp toasted pine nuts or almonds
Lemon Oregano Dressing:
⅓ cup extra virgin olive oil
Juice & zest of 1 large lemon
1 tbsp red wine vinegar
1 tsp Dijon mustard
1 garlic clove, minced
1 tsp dried oregano
½ tsp honey
Salt & black pepper, to taste
Instructions
Cook Orzo:
Bring salted water to a boil, add orzo, and cook until al dente (about 8–10 minutes). Drain, rinse under cool water, and set aside.
Make Dressing:
In a jar or small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice & zest, vinegar, mustard, garlic, oregano, honey (if using), salt, and pepper until emulsified.
Assemble Salad:
In a large bowl, combine orzo, chickpeas, cranberries, cucumber, tomatoes, onion, parsley, and feta.
Pour dressing over the salad and toss until everything is well coated.
Add Crunch (Optional):
Sprinkle with toasted pine nuts or almonds just before serving.
Chill & Serve:
Can be enjoyed immediately, but chilling 30 minutes enhances the flavors.
Notes & Tips
Swap dried cranberries for golden raisins or chopped dried apricots for a twist.
Add arugula or baby spinach if you want some leafy greens in it.
For extra protein, grilled chicken or salmon makes it a full meal.
Tastes even better the next day once the flavors meld together.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I make this ahead?
A: Yes! It keeps 3 days in the fridge. Add nuts right before serving to keep them crunchy.
Q: Can I serve it warm?
A: Yes, this salad works both warm (with just-cooked orzo) or chilled.
Q: What can I pair this with?
A: Great with grilled chicken skewers, roasted veggies, or a mezze platter.
Nutritional Information
Calories: ~310
Protein: 10g
Fat: 14g
Carbs: 36g
Fiber: 6g
Sugar: 8g