Craving a salad that's not just another boring bowl of greens? Get ready to transform your meal prep with the ultimate Cranberry Walnut Quinoa Salad that will make your taste buds dance and your body thank you! This isn't just a salad - it's a flavor-packed, nutrient-dense masterpiece that combines the nutty richness of quinoa, the sweet tang of cranberries, and the satisfying crunch of toasted walnuts. Perfect for health-conscious foodies, meal preppers, and anyone looking to elevate their lunch game with minimal effort and maximum deliciousness!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Salad
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
- 2 cups water
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1/2 cup walnuts, chopped
- 1/4 cup parsley, chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Rinse quinoa thoroughly under cold water using a fine-mesh strainer to remove any bitter coating.
- In a medium saucepan, combine quinoa and water. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes until water is absorbed and quinoa is tender.
- Remove quinoa from heat and let it stand, covered, for 5 minutes to allow it to fluff up. Then transfer to a large mixing bowl and let cool to room temperature.
- While quinoa is cooling, toast chopped walnuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-4 minutes until fragrant and lightly golden, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, apple cider vinegar, salt, and pepper to create the dressing.
- Add dried cranberries, toasted walnuts, and chopped parsley to the cooled quinoa.
- Pour the prepared dressing over the quinoa mixture and gently toss to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld together before serving.
- Serve chilled or at room temperature as a refreshing and nutritious salad.
Tips
- Pro Tips for Perfect Cranberry Walnut Quinoa Salad:
- Quinoa Rinsing is Key: Always rinse quinoa thoroughly to remove the natural saponin coating, which can make your salad taste bitter.
- Toasting Matters: Take the extra few minutes to toast your walnuts - it dramatically enhances their flavor and adds a delightful depth to the salad.
- Let It Rest: Allow the salad to sit in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving. This helps the flavors meld and develop a more complex taste profile.
- Customize Your Salad: Feel free to add extra protein like grilled chicken or chickpeas, or swap ingredients based on your preferences.
- Make Ahead Friendly: This salad keeps well in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, making it perfect for meal prep and quick lunches.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 330kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 10g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 0mg
