Cranberry Pecan Quinoa Salad Recipe
Introduction
Brighten up your table with this vibrant and nutritious cranberry pecan quinoa salad. It’s a delicious and easy-to-make dish perfect for a light lunch or a flavorful side.
Ingredients
- 1 cup quinoa
- 2 cups water
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1/2 cup pecans, toasted and chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Step 1: Rinse the quinoa under cold water to remove any bitterness. Combine it with 2 cups of water in a saucepan and bring to a boil.
- Step 2: Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 15 minutes or until the quinoa is fluffy and the water is absorbed. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
- Step 3: In a large bowl, mix the cooked quinoa with dried cranberries, toasted and chopped pecans.
- Step 4: Drizzle olive oil and apple cider vinegar over the salad. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then toss everything well to combine.
- Step 5: Serve the salad warm or chilled according to your preference.
Tips & Variations
- Toast the pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat for a few minutes to enhance their flavor before adding them to the salad.
- For extra freshness, add chopped fresh herbs like parsley or mint.
- Substitute dried cranberries with dried cherries or golden raisins for a different twist.
- If you like a bit of sweetness in the dressing, add a teaspoon of honey or maple syrup to the olive oil and vinegar mix.
Storage
Store the cranberry pecan quinoa salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It can be enjoyed cold or gently warmed in the microwave before serving. If stored longer, the salad may dry out, so toss it again with a little olive oil or lemon juice to refresh.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use other nuts instead of pecans?
Yes, walnuts, almonds, or cashews can be great alternatives depending on your preference or what you have on hand.
Is this salad suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely. It keeps well in the fridge and makes a nutritious and quick option for lunches or dinners throughout the week.
PrintCranberry Pecan Quinoa Salad Recipe
This Cranberry Pecan Quinoa Salad is a vibrant, nutritious dish combining fluffy quinoa with the tartness of dried cranberries and the crunch of toasted pecans. Tossed in a simple olive oil and apple cider vinegar dressing, this salad is perfect as a light meal or a flavorful side dish, served warm or chilled.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegan
Ingredients
Grains
- 1 cup quinoa
- 2 cups water
Add-ins
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1/2 cup pecans, toasted and chopped
Dressing
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare Quinoa: Rinse 1 cup of quinoa under cold water to remove its natural coating and reduce bitterness. Then, cook it in 2 cups of water by bringing to a boil, covering, and simmering for about 15 minutes until the quinoa is fluffy and water is absorbed.
- Toast Pecans: While the quinoa cooks, toast 1/2 cup of pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-5 minutes until fragrant and slightly browned. Then chop them coarsely.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the cooked quinoa, toasted pecans, 1/2 cup dried cranberries, 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar, and salt and pepper to taste.
- Toss and Serve: Toss the salad thoroughly so all ingredients are evenly coated. Serve the quinoa salad warm or chill it in the refrigerator and serve cold according to preference.
Notes
- To toast pecans, stir frequently to prevent burning.
- You can substitute pecans with walnuts or almonds if preferred.
- This salad can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- For a vegan-friendly recipe, all ingredients are already suitable.
- Add fresh herbs like parsley or mint for extra flavor if desired.
Keywords: quinoa salad, cranberry salad, pecan salad, healthy salad, vegan salad, gluten free, nutritious salad
