Cranberry Cilantro Quinoa Salad
This tasty Cranberry Cilantro Quinoa Salad is super healthy, full of flavor, and ready in just 15 minutes!
Servings 6 servings
Calories 199kcal
Ingredients
- 1 cup dry quinoa
- 1.5 cups water or veggie broth
- ½ cup dried cranberries
- 3-4 TBSP fresh chopped cilantro
- juice of 1 lime
- 1.5 tsp curry powder or to taste
- ⅛ tsp cumin
- ½ cup diced bell pepper
- ¼ cup chopped green or red onion
- ⅓ cup toasted sliced almonds
- ½ cup grated/shredded carrots (optional but so tasty!)
- 2-4 TBSP pepitas (optional but so tasty!)
- salt and pepper to taste
- olive oil for drizzling as desired
- 1 additional lime sliced into wedges to garnish
Instructions
- First rinse and drain your quinoa using a mesh strainer or sieve
- Bring a medium saucepan to medium heat and lightly toast the quinoa to remove any excess water. Stir as it toasts for just a few minutes. This step is optional but really adds to the nuttiness and fluff factor of the quinoa!
- Next add your water or broth, set burner to high, and bring to a boil.
- Once boiling, reduce heat to low and simmer, covered with the lid slightly ajar, for 12-13 minutes or until quinoa is fluffy and the liquid has been absorbed.
- While the quinoa cooks, chop and prep the remaining ingredients.
- Combine freshly cooked quinoa with lime juice, curry powder, cumin, peppers, onion, almonds, pepitas, and carrots. Season to taste and stir to combine.
- For best results, chill salad before serving, to allow the flavors to mingle even further!
- Salad can be made in advance and keeps up to 4 days. Serve with fresh lime wedges for an extra burst of citrus!
Notes
I originally thought I was out of carrots (the horror!) so the photo doesn't have any orange beauties peeking out from the quinoa. Luckily I found a bag hiding under the lettuce (huzzah!!!) and was able to add them in. I couldn't imagine the salad without them, the flavor really shines through and pairs so well with the rest of the ingredients! I'm in love!
The salad is on the drier side (ideal for fluffy quinoa-based salads) but feel free to add extra lime juice and olive oil as desired! You can even serve this dish as a base for your favorite baked or grilled protein. Chicken, tofu, or fish are all fantastic with a little quinoa salad action!
Craving a kick? try it with a drizzle or two of Sriracha! It's AMAZING!
Nutrition facts below are an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator. Adjust as needed.
Nutrition
Calories: 199kcal | Carbohydrates: 30g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 6g | Sodium: 14mg | Potassium: 308mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 7g | Vitamin A: 2225IU | Vitamin C: 17.2mg | Calcium: 40mg | Iron: 2.2mg
