Imagine a salad that's not just a side dish, but a culinary adventure that tantalizes your taste buds and nourishes your body! This Cranberry Cilantro Quinoa Salad is the perfect blend of vibrant flavors, nutritious ingredients, and stunning colors that will make your mouth water from the first bite. Whether you're a health-conscious foodie or simply looking to elevate your meal repertoire, this recipe is about to become your new obsession!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Healthy
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup quinoa
- 2 cups water
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1/4 cup red onion, diced
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by rinsing the quinoa under cold water in a fine-mesh strainer. This helps to remove any bitterness from the quinoa.
- In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed quinoa and 2 cups of water. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan, and let it simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the quinoa has absorbed all the water and is fluffy. Remove from heat and let it sit, covered, for an additional 5 minutes.
- While the quinoa is cooking, prepare the dressing. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Next, chop the fresh cilantro and dice the red onion. Set them aside.
- After the quinoa has rested, fluff it with a fork and transfer it to a large mixing bowl. Allow it to cool for a few minutes.
- Once the quinoa is slightly cooled, add the dried cranberries, chopped cilantro, and diced red onion to the bowl.
- Drizzle the dressing over the quinoa mixture and toss gently until all the ingredients are well combined and evenly coated with the dressing.
- Taste the salad and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if necessary.
- Let the salad sit for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together before serving.
- Serve the Cranberry Cilantro Quinoa Salad chilled or at room temperature. Enjoy your healthy and delicious dish!
Tips
- Rinse Your Quinoa: Always rinse quinoa thoroughly to remove its natural coating (saponin) which can create a bitter taste.
- Perfect Quinoa Texture: Let the quinoa rest covered after cooking for 5 minutes to achieve that light, fluffy consistency.
- Flavor Enhancement: Allow the salad to sit for 10 minutes before serving to let the dressing fully integrate with the ingredients.
- Customization Options: - Add toasted nuts for extra crunch - Substitute lemon juice with lime for a different flavor profile - Include diced avocado for extra creaminess
- Storage Tip: This salad keeps well in the refrigerator for 2-3 days, making it perfect for meal prep!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 280kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 8g
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 0mg
