Alison Lewis

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Quinoa Salad with Almonds, Cranberries and Mint

January 15, 2012

Quinoa is one of my favorite Super Foods of 2012. I talked a great deal about quinoa this weekend at my nutrition/healthy eating seminar including how to pronounce it, purchase it and cook it. I had a lot of wonderful questions regarding this gluten-free grain. One serving of quinoa provides all 8 essential amino acids, and it is high in protein and fiber. It’s also a wonderful grain for those on a gluten-free diet, and it works wonderful for breakfast, a side, in soups and salads. I recommend buying the rinsed version to make your life even easier. I developed this recipe for Quinoa Salad with Almonds, Cranberries and Mint for Thanksgiving for Honeysuckle White and Shady Brook Farms Turkey. It makes a great side dish or salad, and my kids absolutely loved it. Add grilled chicken or shrimp if you wish for a main dish salad.

Quinoa Salad with Almonds, Cranberries and Mint

Prep: 20 minutes
Cook: 15 minutes
Yield: 8 servings
Ingredients
2 cups water
1 cup quinoa, rinsed and drained well*
1/2 teaspoon sea salt
1/4 cup white balsamic vinegar
3 tablespoons fresh lime juice
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1/4 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
1-1/2 cups diced cucumber
1/3 cup diced radishes
1/4 cup chopped red onion
1/4 cup chopped unsalted almonds, toasted
1/4 cup dried cranberries
2 tablespoons chopped fresh mint
Preparation
To simplify things, purchase pre-rinsed quinoa and omit Step 1 below on rinsing and draining.

1. Place quinoa in a fine sieve and place sieve in a large bowl. Rinse quinoa and drain well.

2. Combine water, quinoa and salt in a large saucepan. Bring to a boil. Cover, reduce heat, and simmer 10 to 15 minutes. Let cool at least 30 minutes.

3. In a small bowl, whisk together white balsamic vinegar, lime juice, olive oil, Dijon mustard, Italian seasoning and pepper; set aside.

4. Combine quinoa, cucumber, radishes, onion, almonds, cranberries and mint. Pour dressing over quinoa mixture, tossing gently. Serve immediately or chill, if desired.



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18 Responses to “Quinoa Salad with Almonds, Cranberries and Mint”
January, 15 2012at 10:29 pm
I've never even heard of Quinoa! Man, I have much to learn. This recipe is going on the "to make" list! XO. Britt The Magnolia Pair :)
January, 15 2012at 05:52 pm
It looks great and I've been thinking about you and hoping your weekend of yoga and speaking has gone fabulously!
January, 15 2012at 06:53 pm
GIRL, yes. I could inhale this like an elephant.
Jessica says:
January, 20 2012at 01:23 pm
I just want to dig right in! Love me some Quinoa with cranberries!
January, 22 2012at 11:47 am
I haven't cooked with quinoa in quite a while, but I think I'm going to have to make some tonight so I can whip up this salad.
January, 15 2012at 11:26 pm
Quinoa is definitely a superfood in every way - health, taste, texture... I love the pop of flavor from radishes in this salad.
Jeanette says:
January, 15 2012at 11:49 pm
I agree - quinoa is one of my favorite super foods. Love how fresh and light this quinoa salad sounds.
January, 16 2012at 05:20 am
Hmm, I've never seen the pre-rinsed kind, will have to look for it.
January, 16 2012at 09:44 am
Love quinoa!! I actually like the taste and texture. Great salad recipe.
January, 16 2012at 10:39 am
This looks healthy and delcicious. I will definitely be trying it.
marla says:
January, 16 2012at 10:40 am
Such a bright & light quinoa recipe! Love the flavors..
Lisa says:
January, 16 2012at 01:15 pm
too fabulous for words
Amy says:
January, 16 2012at 01:16 pm
You rock! This looks delicious and I'm clueless about Quinoa
Marly says:
January, 16 2012at 07:12 pm
Once I learned to pronounce it...and spell it...I fell in love with this stuff. Can't wait to try your recipe!
January, 17 2012at 10:20 am
this salad looks absolutely delicious! i do think it would make a wonderful entree salad with some grilled chicken. yum!
Liz says:
February, 18 2012at 06:39 am
Oh, YUM! I've been looking for something to do with my quinoa stash...and this looks perfectly delicious!
November, 05 2012at 07:50 am
[...] Quiona with Cranberries, Almonds and Mint via Ingredients, Inc. [...]
December, 28 2012at 10:01 am
[...] Quinoa with Cranberries Almonds and Mint [...]

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