Mediterranean Cranberry & Feta Feast
The Mediterranean Cranberry & Feta Feast is a vibrant and wholesome dish that combines sweet, tangy, and savory flavors. Fluffy couscous or quinoa serves as the hearty base, topped with colorful veggies, briny olives, crunchy nuts, and bursts of dried cranberries. A light balsamic-honey dressing ties everything together, making this dish perfect for holiday gatherings, weeknight dinners, or as a festive centerpiece for a potluck.
Time
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes (for grains)
Total time: 35 minutes
Ingredients
For the Grain Base:
2 cups couscous or quinoa, cooked
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp lemon juice
Salt & black pepper, to taste
For the Toppings:
½ cup dried cranberries
½ cup crumbled feta cheese
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cucumber, diced
½ red onion, thinly sliced
½ cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved
¼ cup walnuts or pistachios, toasted
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
For the Dressing:
3 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
1 tsp honey or maple syrup
1 tsp Dijon mustard
Salt & black pepper, to taste
Instructions
Prepare the grains: Cook couscous or quinoa according to package instructions. Fluff with a fork, then stir in olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Set aside to cool slightly.
Make the dressing: Whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey (or maple syrup), Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper in a small bowl.
Assemble the feast: Spread couscous or quinoa on a large platter. Arrange cranberries, feta, tomatoes, cucumber, onion, olives, and nuts over the top.
Add freshness: Sprinkle with parsley.
Finish & serve: Drizzle with dressing just before serving. Toss lightly if preferred, or leave layered for presentation.
Tips & Variations
Swap couscous or quinoa with farro, bulgur, or barley.
Make it vegan by skipping the feta.
Use pomegranate seeds or dried apricots in place of cranberries.
Try almonds, pecans, or sunflower seeds if you don’t have walnuts or pistachios.
Add mint or basil for extra freshness.
Boost protein with chickpeas, chicken, or salmon.
Prep grains and veggies ahead, assemble before serving.
Change the flavor with red wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar instead of balsamic.
Q&A
Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes. Prepare the grains, chop the veggies, and make the dressing up to 2 days in advance. Store separately, then assemble and dress just before serving.
Q: Can I serve this warm instead of chilled?
Absolutely. The grain base can be served warm, while the toppings add freshness and texture.
Q: What’s the best way to make it more filling?
Add grilled chicken, shrimp, salmon, or chickpeas to turn it into a full meal.
Q: Is this dish good for potlucks?
Yes, it’s colorful, travels well, and tastes great even after sitting for a bit, making it perfect for gatherings.
Nutrition
(per serving, 6 servings)
Calories: ~340
Protein: 9g
Carbohydrates: 38g
Fiber: 5g
Fat: 17g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Sodium: ~520mg
(Values are approximate and may vary depending on grain choice and portion sizes.)
Conclusion
The Mediterranean Cranberry & Feta Feast is a fresh, colorful dish that balances sweet cranberries, tangy feta, and savory veggies on a hearty grain base. With its festive look and versatile flavors, it works equally well as a weeknight salad, a holiday side, or a potluck showstopper. Light yet satisfying, it’s a recipe that brings Mediterranean flair to the table any time of year.