Feta Cranberry Grain Salad with Lemon Dressing Recipe

If you’re craving a salad that bursts with vibrant flavors and textures, look no further than this delightful Feta Cranberry Grain Salad with Lemon Dressing. It’s the perfect harmony of nutty grains, tangy feta, sweet cranberries, and a zesty lemon dressing that wakes up your taste buds with every bite. Whether you’re packing a lunch, hosting a gathering, or just want a refreshing side, this salad is easy to whip up and will quickly become a favorite in your recipe collection.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering these simple, yet essential ingredients is the first step to creating the perfect Feta Cranberry Grain Salad with Lemon Dressing. Each one contributes something special: from the creamy feta adding richness, to the fresh cucumber bringing a cool crunch, and the dried cranberries offering bursts of sweetness that make this salad unforgettable.

• 1½ cups cooked quinoa, farro, or couscous: Choose your favorite grain base for texture and substance.
• ¾ cup crumbled feta cheese: Adds a salty, creamy kick that pairs beautifully with the fruitiness.
• ½ cup dried cranberries: Offers a sweet tartness that balances savory flavors.
• ½ cup diced cucumber: Brings a refreshing crunch and hydration to the mix.
• ½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved: Adds juicy bursts of color and natural sweetness.
• ¼ cup red onion, finely diced: Provides a mild sharpness for depth and zing.
• ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley: Gives the salad a bright herbal note and vibrant green color.
• Zest and juice of 1 large lemon: The star of the dressing, adding fresh citrus brightness.
• 3 tbsp olive oil: Creates a smooth, silky texture and richness in the dressing.
• 1 tbsp honey: Sweetens the dressing naturally to balance the tartness.
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard: Adds a subtle tang and helps emulsify the dressing.
• 1 small clove garlic, grated: Infuses gentle warmth and a savory punch.
• Salt and black pepper, to taste: Season to bring all flavors to life.

How to Make Feta Cranberry Grain Salad with Lemon Dressing

Step 1: Prepare Your Grain Base

Start with your choice of cooked grains—quinoa, farro, or couscous all work beautifully. Once cooked and cooled, these grains form a hearty, nutty foundation that carries the other salad components with ease and adds wonderful texture.

Step 2: Combine the Fresh Ingredients

In a large bowl, mix the cooked grains with crumbled feta, dried cranberries, diced cucumber, halved cherry tomatoes, finely diced red onion, and chopped parsley. This colorful array brings together creamy, sweet, crunchy, and fresh elements that promise a delightful bite every time.

Step 3: Whisk Together the Lemon Dressing

In a separate bowl or jar, thoroughly whisk the lemon zest and juice with olive oil, honey, Dijon mustard, grated garlic, and a pinch of salt and black pepper. This tangy, sweet, and savory dressing is what elevates this grain salad to a whole new level.

Step 4: Toss and Marinate

Pour the lemon dressing over the grain salad and toss gently until everything is evenly coated. For best results, let the salad rest for 10 to 15 minutes at room temperature or refrigerated slightly chilled, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.

Step 5: Adjust and Serve

Taste your Feta Cranberry Grain Salad with Lemon Dressing and adjust seasoning if needed. Sometimes a pinch more salt or pepper can make all the difference. Serve it as a refreshing, vibrant dish that’s ready to enjoy immediately or saved for a later meal.

How to Serve Feta Cranberry Grain Salad with Lemon Dressing

Garnishes

A sprinkle of extra feta or a few fresh parsley leaves on top adds an inviting look. Toasted nuts like walnuts or almonds can add an extra crunch that contrasts wonderfully with the salad’s softness.

Side Dishes

This salad pairs incredibly well with grilled chicken, fish, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal. It’s also a lovely accompaniment to Mediterranean-inspired dishes, complementing flavors without overpowering them.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving the salad in hollowed-out bell peppers or small mason jars for a charming, portable option. Layer it in a bowl with additional lemon wedges for guests to add extra zing if desired.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your leftover Feta Cranberry Grain Salad with Lemon Dressing in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It holds up well for up to 3 days, with flavors deepening over time, making it a perfect make-ahead lunch or side.

Freezing

Because of the fresh vegetables and feta cheese, this salad does not freeze well. Freezing can alter texture and flavor, so it’s best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated.

Reheating

This salad is best served chilled or at room temperature, so reheating is not recommended. If you prefer it warmer, allow it to sit at room temperature for 20–30 minutes before serving for the best taste.

FAQs

Can I use other types of cheese instead of feta?

Absolutely! While feta’s salty tang is ideal, goat cheese or ricotta salata can be flavorful alternatives that maintain the creamy texture in this salad.

Is it okay to substitute dried cranberries with fresh fruit?

Fresh fruit like pomegranate seeds or chopped apples add vibrant freshness, but dried cranberries provide a unique chewy sweetness that contrasts beautifully with the other textures.

Can this salad be made vegan?

Yes, simply replace the feta cheese with a plant-based alternative or omit it altogether. Adjust seasoning to maintain balance in flavor.

Which grain should I use for the best taste?

Quinoa offers a fluffy, slightly nutty texture; farro provides a chewy, hearty bite; and couscous is lighter and softer. Each brings something unique, so choose based on your preference.

How long does the lemon dressing keep?

The lemon dressing can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days in an airtight container. Just give it a good whisk before using as it may separate.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about a salad that’s as beautiful as it is delicious, and this Feta Cranberry Grain Salad with Lemon Dressing fits that bill perfectly. It’s bright, refreshing, and versatile enough to be a side or a main. I wholeheartedly encourage you to try it—once you do, it might just become your new go-to for quick, wholesome meals that impress every time.