Quinoa Salad with Almonds, Cranberries and Mint
January 15, 2012Quinoa 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
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.
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.
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!
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.
Cookin' Canuck says:
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.
Tessa @ Handle the Heat says:
January, 16 2012at 09:44 am
Love quinoa!! I actually like the taste and texture. Great salad recipe.
Jersey Girl Cooks says:
January, 16 2012at 10:39 am
This looks healthy and delcicious. I will definitely be trying it.
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!
amy @ fearless homemaker says:
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
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December, 28 2012at 10:01 am
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