Cranberry Walnut Quinoa Salad Recipe
A vibrant, nutrient-packed Cranberry Walnut Quinoa Salad combining fluffy quinoa with sweet dried cranberries, crunchy walnuts, fresh red onion, parsley, and optional feta cheese, all tossed in a tangy olive oil and apple cider vinegar dressing. Perfect as a light lunch or healthy side dish.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
Scale
Grains & Nuts
- 1 cup quinoa
- 1/2 cup walnuts, chopped
Produce
- 1 1/2 cups water
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1/4 cup red onion, diced
- 1/4 cup parsley, chopped
Dairy
- 1/4 cup feta cheese (optional)
Dressing
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Rinse Quinoa: Thoroughly rinse 1 cup of quinoa under cold running water to remove any bitterness from the natural coating called saponin.
- Cook Quinoa: In a medium saucepan, combine rinsed quinoa with 1 1/2 cups of water. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Simmer: Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan, and let the quinoa simmer for about 15 minutes, or until all water is absorbed and the quinoa is fluffy.
- Cool Quinoa: Remove the pan from heat and let the quinoa cool to room temperature to avoid wilting the fresh ingredients later.
- Combine Salad Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix the cooled quinoa with 1/2 cup dried cranberries, 1/2 cup chopped walnuts, 1/4 cup diced red onion, 1/4 cup chopped parsley, and 1/4 cup feta cheese if using.
- Prepare Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar, salt, and pepper to taste until well combined.
- Toss Salad: Pour the dressing over the quinoa mixture and toss gently until all ingredients are evenly coated.
Notes
- This salad can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days to allow flavors to meld.
- Add feta cheese just before serving to maintain its fresh texture and flavor.
- For a vegan version, omit feta cheese or substitute with a plant-based cheese alternative.
- Fresh cranberries can be used instead of dried; consider adding a touch of sweetener in the dressing to balance tartness.
- You can customize the salad by adding vegetables like diced cucumber, bell pepper, or roasted sweet potato cubes.
Keywords: cranberry walnut quinoa salad, gluten free salad, healthy quinoa salad, vegetarian quinoa salad, easy quinoa recipe
Find it online: https://mixitwitjoe.com/cranberry-walnut-quinoa-salad-recipe/
