This Cranberry Orange Walnut Quinoa Salad is a vibrant dish that dances with flavor—imagine the pop of tart cranberries, the zesty kick of fresh orange, and the satisfying crunch of walnuts mingling in a bowl. pair it with margherita pizza It’s like a party for your taste buds where everyone is invited, especially during holidays or cozy family gatherings.
I can still remember the first time I made this salad; it was during a chaotic holiday dinner prep when everyone seemed to be in a race against time. My Aunt Martha had just burned her famous casserole (again), and in an attempt to salvage the meal, I threw these ingredients together. The result was a delicious explosion of flavors that left everyone begging for seconds. Trust me, this salad will become your go-to dish for any occasion where you want to impress without breaking a sweat.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This salad is incredibly easy to whip up, making it perfect for busy weeknights or festive gatherings.
- Its bright flavors and colors make it visually appealing on any table.
- Plus, it’s versatile enough to be served as a side or main dish.
- You’ll find its refreshing taste will have family and friends asking for your secret!
Ingredients for Cranberry Orange Walnut Quinoa Salad
For more inspiration, check out this Flavorful Huevos Rancheros recipe.
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Quinoa: This fluffy grain serves as the base of your salad, providing protein and fiber while soaking up all those lovely flavors.
- Dried Cranberries: Sweet and tangy, they add a delightful burst of flavor that balances well with the nuts and orange.
- Walnuts: Their crunchy texture brings richness to the dish. Opt for chopped walnuts for better distribution throughout the salad.
- Fresh Oranges: Use juicy oranges for zesting and segments; they bring brightness and freshness to every bite.
- Red Onion: Adds a sharp flavor contrast; just be sure to thinly slice it so it doesn’t overpower other ingredients.
- Olive Oil: A drizzle enhances flavors while keeping everything nicely dressed without being heavy.
- Balsamic Vinegar: This adds depth and tanginess that complements the sweet cranberries wonderfully.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Cranberry Orange Walnut Quinoa Salad
Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:
Step 1: Cook the Quinoa
Start by rinsing one cup of quinoa under cold water to remove its natural bitterness. In a medium saucepan, combine quinoa with two cups of water and bring to a boil over medium heat. Once boiling, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 15 minutes until the water is absorbed.
Step 2: Prepare Your Ingredients
While your quinoa cooks, chop half a cup of walnuts and set them aside. Segment two fresh oranges by cutting off the top and bottom before slicing down each side to remove the peel. Cut out individual segments and place them in a large mixing bowl.
Step 3: Mix It Up
Once your quinoa has finished cooking, fluff it with a fork and let it cool slightly before adding it to your bowl with oranges. Toss in half a cup of dried cranberries and your chopped walnuts.
Step 4: Dress It Up
In a small bowl, whisk together three tablespoons of olive oil with two tablespoons of balsamic vinegar along with salt and pepper to taste. Pour this dressing over your salad mixture.
Step 5: Combine Everything
Gently toss all ingredients together until they are well coated with dressing. Adjust seasoning as needed—sometimes salads need that extra pinch of salt!
Step 6: Chill Before Serving
For best flavor results, let your salad sit in the refrigerator for at least an hour before serving. This allows all those amazing flavors to meld together beautifully.
Transfer to plates and serve chilled or at room temperature for an easy yet impressive dish that’ll have everyone coming back for more! Enjoy every last bite!
You Must Know
- This vibrant Cranberry Orange Walnut Quinoa Salad is not just a feast for the eyes; it’s a delightful combination of flavors and textures.
- Packed with nutrients, it’s perfect for meal prep or serving at gatherings.
- Enjoy it chilled or at room temperature, making it incredibly versatile for any occasion.
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by cooking the quinoa according to package instructions while you chop your veggies and prepare the dressing. This multitasking approach saves time and ensures everything comes together seamlessly, resulting in a fresh, flavorful salad.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap walnuts with pecans or almonds for added crunch, or use dried cherries instead of cranberries for a different sweetness. For an extra kick, sprinkle some feta cheese or goat cheese on top before serving.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days. The flavors deepen with time. There’s no need to reheat; this salad is delicious cold!
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Rinse quinoa under cold water before cooking to remove its natural bitterness.
- Toasting walnuts adds a rich flavor that elevates the salad.
- Allow the quinoa to cool completely before mixing with other ingredients to maintain texture.
Sharing this recipe reminds me of that potluck last summer when my friends devoured this salad in record time. They kept asking for the recipe, and I couldn’t help but beam with pride!
FAQs :
What ingredients are needed for Cranberry Orange Walnut Quinoa Salad?
To make a delicious Cranberry Orange Walnut Quinoa Salad, you’ll need cooked quinoa, fresh cranberries, orange segments, walnuts, red onion, and a simple dressing of olive oil, honey, salt, and pepper. This combination creates a vibrant salad that is both refreshing and nutritious. Feel free to add additional ingredients like spinach or feta cheese for extra flavor.
How can I store leftover Cranberry Orange Walnut Quinoa Salad?
To store leftover Cranberry Orange Walnut Quinoa Salad, place it in an airtight container and refrigerate. It will stay fresh for up to three days. When you’re ready to eat it again, you might want to give it a quick stir and check the seasoning; you can add a little more dressing if needed. quick vegetable stir fry This salad is great as a side dish or a light lunch!
Can I prepare the Cranberry Orange Walnut Quinoa Salad in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the Cranberry Orange Walnut Quinoa Salad in advance. It’s perfect for meal prep! Cook the quinoa and chop the ingredients ahead of time. Store each component separately and combine them just before serving. This way, everything will retain its freshness and crunchiness until you’re ready to enjoy it.
Is the Cranberry Orange Walnut Quinoa Salad suitable for special diets?
Absolutely! The Cranberry Orange Walnut Quinoa Salad is naturally gluten-free and can easily fit into vegetarian or vegan diets. If you’re looking for additional protein, consider adding chickpeas or tofu. This versatile salad can accommodate various dietary preferences while still being delicious and healthy. For more inspiration, check out this Healthy Oat Crepes recipe.
Conclusion for Cranberry Orange Walnut Quinoa Salad :
In summary, the Cranberry Orange Walnut Quinoa Salad is a delightful blend of flavors and textures that makes for a nutritious meal or side dish option. With its vibrant ingredients like quinoa, cranberries, oranges, and walnuts, this salad not only pleases the palate but also offers numerous health benefits. try with creamy turkey tetrazzini Preparing it in advance enhances convenience without sacrificing freshness. Enjoy this refreshing recipe at your next gathering or as part of your weekly meal planning!
Cranberry Orange Walnut Quinoa Salad
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Cranberry Orange Walnut Quinoa Salad is a vibrant and refreshing dish that combines tangy cranberries, juicy oranges, and crunchy walnuts for a delightful burst of flavor. Perfect for any occasion—whether as a side or main dish—this healthy salad is packed with nutrients and is easy to prepare. Enjoy it chilled or at room temperature, making it versatile for meal prep or festive gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 cup quinoa
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1/2 cup walnuts (chopped)
- 2 fresh oranges (segmented)
- 1/4 cup red onion (thinly sliced)
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Rinse quinoa under cold water. Combine with 2 cups water in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes until water is absorbed.
- While quinoa cooks, chop walnuts and segment oranges into a large mixing bowl.
- Fluff cooked quinoa with a fork and let cool slightly before adding to the bowl with oranges.
- Toss in cranberries and chopped walnuts.
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper. Pour over the salad mixture and gently toss to coat.
- Chill in the refrigerator for at least one hour before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (200g)
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 10mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 33g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: Substitute walnuts with pecans or almonds for added crunch. Add feta or goat cheese on top for extra flavor. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days; enjoy cold.
