Cranberry Quinoa Salad: A Festive Flavor Explosion
Tired of the same old holiday sides? Say hello to our Cranberry Quinoa Salad – a delightful blend of vibrant flavors and nutritious goodness. Nutty quinoa, chewy dried cranberries, and crunchy pecans create a medley of textures. Fresh parsley and green onions add a burst of color, while optional feta cheese provides a creamy contrast. All of this is brought together by a zesty balsamic dressing that elevates every bite. This salad isn’t just a side dish; it’s a star in its own right, perfect for the holiday table or a healthy standalone meal. Enjoy the holidays with a fresh twist on traditional flavors!
Ingredients:
For the Salad:
- 1 cup quinoa, rinsed and drained
- 2 cups water
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts
- 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh parsley
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Dressing:
- 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey (or maple syrup for a vegan option)
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Cook the Quinoa:
- In a medium saucepan, combine the quinoa and water. Bring to a boil over high heat.
- Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until the quinoa is tender and the water is absorbed.
- Remove from heat and let it cool to room temperature.
2. Prepare the Dressing:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the extra-virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey (or maple syrup), Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Adjust the sweetness and seasoning to your preference.
3. Assemble the Salad:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked and cooled quinoa, dried cranberries, chopped nuts, parsley, and green onions.
4. Add the Dressing:
- Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss to combine. Make sure the dressing is evenly distributed throughout the salad.
5. Garnish and Serve:
- If desired, top the salad with crumbled feta cheese for a creamy and tangy touch.
- Season the salad with salt and pepper to taste.
- You can serve the salad immediately, but it’s often even better after the flavors have melded together in the refrigerator for a couple of hours.
6. Serve:
- Serve the cranberry quinoa salad chilled as a delightful side dish at your holiday meal or as a light and healthy lunch option.
This Cranberry Quinoa Salad is a colorful and flavorful addition to your holiday spread. The combination of tart cranberries, nutty quinoa, and the sweetness of the dressing makes it a perfect balance of taste and nutrition. Enjoy!
