Zesty Quinoa Salad with Cranberries and Almonds
This delightful Zesty Quinoa Salad combines the earthiness of cooked quinoa with the sweet tartness of dried cranberries and the rich crunch of sliced almonds. A splash of fresh lemon juice and a drizzle of honey create a zesty dressing that brightens up the whole dish, making it not only nutritious but also incredibly refreshing. Perfect as a light lunch or a wholesome snack, this salad is also a fantastic option for meal prep, as it tastes even better after a night in the fridge. Packed with proteins and vitamins, you'll feel satisfied and energized after enjoying this delicious superfood treat.
N/A
Servings
200
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
Olive Oil
1/4 cup
Fresh Lemon Juice
3 1/2 teaspoons
Honey
1/2 teaspoon
Kosher Salt
1/2 teaspoon
Ground Black Pepper
1/8 teaspoon
Dried Cranberries
1/2 cup (rehydrated in boiling water)
Uncooked Quinoa
1 cup (cooked)
Scallions
1 cup (sliced into 1/4-inch rings)
Sliced Blanched Almonds
3/4 cup
Fresh Mint Leaves
3 tablespoons (cut into chiffonade)
Instructions
1
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, fresh lemon juice, honey, kosher salt, and ground black pepper to make the dressing. Set aside to allow the flavors to meld.
2
In a medium saucepan, bring 2 and 1/2 cups of water to a rolling boil. While the water heats, place the dried cranberries in a separate small bowl and pour 1/2 cup of the boiling water over them to rehydrate. Let them sit for about 10 minutes.
3
Once the water is boiling, add 1 cup of uncooked quinoa to the saucepan, cover with a tight-fitting lid, and reduce the heat to medium-low. Cook for 12 to 15 minutes or until the quinoa has absorbed all the water. Fluff the quinoa with a fork and transfer it to a large mixing bowl.
4
Drain the rehydrated cranberries and add them to the cooked quinoa along with sliced scallions and blanched almond slices.
5
Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients and gently fold everything together until evenly combined.
6
Finish by adding the fresh mint leaves, cut into chiffonade. Serve the salad immediately for a fresh option, or refrigerate for a few hours or overnight to enhance the flavors before serving.
Nutrition Information
12.5g
Fat
17.5g
Carbs
5g
Protein
3.75g
Fiber
1.25g
Sugar
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Zesty Quinoa Salad with Cranberries and Almonds?
It is a refreshing and nutritious salad that combines cooked quinoa, sweet-tart dried cranberries, and crunchy sliced almonds with a zesty lemon-honey dressing.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, this quinoa salad is tagged as a gluten-free recipe.
Is this salad suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this is a vegetarian-friendly dish.
How many calories are in a serving of this salad?
Each serving contains approximately 200 calories.
What is the protein content of the Zesty Quinoa Salad?
The salad provides 5g of protein per serving.
How do I cook the quinoa for this recipe?
Bring 2 and 1/2 cups of water to a boil, add 1 cup of uncooked quinoa, cover, and simmer on medium-low for 12 to 15 minutes until the water is absorbed.
How long does it take to cook the quinoa?
The quinoa takes about 12 to 15 minutes to cook once the heat is reduced to medium-low.
How much water do I need to boil the quinoa?
You need 2 and 1/2 cups of water for the rolling boil.
How should I rehydrate the dried cranberries?
Place the cranberries in a small bowl and pour 1/2 cup of boiling water over them, letting them sit for about 10 minutes before draining.
What ingredients are in the dressing?
The dressing is made of olive oil, fresh lemon juice, honey, kosher salt, and ground black pepper.
How much olive oil is used in the recipe?
The recipe calls for 1/4 cup of olive oil.
How much honey is added to the dressing?
The dressing uses 1/2 teaspoon of honey for a touch of sweetness.
How much lemon juice is required?
You will need 3 and 1/2 teaspoons of fresh lemon juice.
What kind of almonds are used in the salad?
The recipe uses 3/4 cup of sliced blanched almonds for a rich crunch.
How should the mint leaves be prepared?
The fresh mint leaves should be cut into a chiffonade before being added to the salad.
How do I prepare the scallions?
The scallions should be sliced into 1/4-inch rings.
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, it is a fantastic option for meal prep as the flavors enhance after sitting in the fridge overnight.
How much fiber is in this dish?
There are 3.75g of fiber per serving.
What is the total fat content?
The total fat content is 12.5g per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
There are 17.5g of carbohydrates per serving.
What is the sugar content of this recipe?
The salad contains 1.25g of sugar per serving.
Should I serve this salad hot or cold?
It can be served immediately for a fresh taste or refrigerated for a few hours to enhance the flavors.
What is the first step in the instructions?
The first step is whisking together the dressing ingredients in a small bowl to allow the flavors to meld.
How much salt and pepper are used?
The recipe uses 1/2 teaspoon of kosher salt and 1/8 teaspoon of ground black pepper.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 10 main ingredients in the Zesty Quinoa Salad.
What amount of fresh mint is needed?
The recipe calls for 3 tablespoons of fresh mint leaves.
Is this a high-sodium dish?
The recipe uses 1/2 teaspoon of kosher salt for the entire dish; specific sodium calculations are not provided.
What is the volume of quinoa used?
The recipe uses 1 cup of uncooked quinoa.
How much scallion should I use?
You will need 1 cup of sliced scallions.
Why is this described as a superfood treat?
It is described as such because it is packed with proteins, vitamins, and nutritious ingredients like quinoa and almonds.