Description
Zesty Cranberry and Cilantro Quinoa Salad brings Mediterranean freshness to your plate with a delightful blend of tangy berries and herbaceous cilantro. Crisp quinoa mingles with vibrant ingredients, creating a light yet satisfying dish perfect for health-conscious eaters.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 cup quinoa
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
Vegetables and Aromatics:
- 1/4 cup red bell pepper, chopped
- 1/4 cup yellow bell pepper, chopped
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
Dressing and Seasonings:
- 1/4 cup lime juice
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 1/2 cups water
Instructions
- Cleanse quinoa thoroughly under running cold water using a fine-mesh strainer to remove any bitter coating.
- Pour water into a medium saucepan and bring to a rolling boil. Gently add quinoa, then reduce heat to low, cover, and allow to simmer until grains are tender and liquid is completely absorbed, approximately 15-20 minutes.
- Transfer quinoa from heat and spread onto a flat surface, periodically fluffing with a fork to release steam and prevent clumping while cooling to room temperature.
- Prepare a spacious mixing bowl and combine the cooled quinoa with vibrant red and yellow bell peppers, freshly chopped cilantro, tart cranberries, and finely diced red onion.
- Create the dressing by whisking together zesty lime juice, extra virgin olive oil, ground cumin, sea salt, and freshly cracked black pepper in a separate small bowl.
- Drizzle the prepared dressing over the quinoa mixture, thoroughly tossing to ensure every ingredient is evenly coated and seasoned.
- Chill the salad in the refrigerator for a minimum of 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and intensify before serving.
Notes
- Toast quinoa in a dry skillet before boiling to enhance its nutty flavor and add depth to the salad.
- Substitute dried cranberries with fresh pomegranate seeds for a juicier, more vibrant texture and added antioxidants.
- Prepare the salad a day ahead to let the flavors fully develop and meld together, making it perfect for meal prep or potlucks.
- For a protein boost, add grilled chicken, tofu, or roasted chickpeas to transform this side dish into a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 0mg