Festive Cranberry Orange Walnut Quinoa Salad Recipe

Cranberry Orange Walnut Quinoa Salad is like a festive party in your mouth. Imagine the tartness of cranberries mixing with the zesty brightness of oranges, all while crunchy walnuts provide a delightful texture. Each bite bursts with flavor and feels like a celebration, whether it’s a sunny picnic or a cozy winter gathering.

The first time I made this salad was for a friend’s potluck, where my culinary skills were famously untested. I threw together this dish and watched in awe as it vanished faster than my confidence at the stove. The vibrant colors and enticing aromas made it an instant hit, and I realized that not all heroes wear capes; some toss quinoa into a bowl!

Ingredients for Cranberry Orange Walnut Quinoa Salad

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Quinoa: A fantastic gluten-free grain packed with protein; choose tri-color quinoa for extra visual appeal.
• Dried Cranberries: These little gems add sweetness and tang; look for ones without added sugar for healthier options.
• Fresh Oranges: Juicy oranges bring zest and brightness; use organic if possible to avoid pesticides.
• Walnuts: Crunchy walnuts lend texture and healthy fats; chop them roughly to keep some pieces whole for added crunch.
• Red Onion: This adds a sharp bite; soak the chopped onion in cold water for five minutes to mellow the flavor.
• Olive Oil: A drizzle of high-quality olive oil enhances flavor; consider using lemon-infused oil for an extra twist.
• Balsamic Vinegar: This brings acidity to balance out the sweetness; opt for aged balsamic for richer flavor.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance all the flavors—don’t be shy!

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

How to Make Cranberry Orange Walnut Quinoa Salad

Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:

Step 1: Rinse the Quinoa

Rinse about one cup of quinoa under cold water using a fine mesh strainer. This helps remove its natural coating (saponin) that can taste bitter.

Step 2: Cook the Quinoa

In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed quinoa with two cups of water. Bring it to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce to low, cover, and simmer for about 15 minutes until fluffy.

Step 3: Prepare the Ingredients

While your quinoa cooks, chop up one cup each of fresh oranges (peeled) and walnuts. Dice half of a red onion finely and set aside.

Step 4: Mix It All Together

Once the quinoa is cooked, let it cool slightly before transferring it to a large mixing bowl. Add in your chopped oranges, dried cranberries, walnuts, and diced onion.

Step 5: Dress It Up

In a small bowl, whisk together three tablespoons of olive oil, two tablespoons of balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper. Pour this dressing over your salad mix and toss gently until evenly coated.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

This salad can be served immediately but tastes even better after chilling in the fridge for about an hour. Transfer it to plates or bowls as needed—and don’t forget to take an Instagram shot before devouring!

Now that you’ve mastered this Cranberry Orange Walnut Quinoa Salad recipe, you’re ready to impress your friends at any gathering! Enjoy every vibrant bite!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

To create this quinoa salad, start by rinsing the quinoa to remove its natural bitterness. Cook it according to package instructions while prepping your fruits and nuts. Toss everything together once the quinoa cools, ensuring even distribution of flavors.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out walnuts for pecans or add feta cheese for creaminess. You can also throw in some diced avocado for an extra layer of richness or substitute dried cranberries with fresh ones for seasonal flair.

Storing & Reheating

Store your cranberry orange walnut quinoa salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. If reheating, warm it gently on low heat to maintain texture without turning it into mush.

Sharing this recipe reminds me of a family picnic last summer where I brought this salad along. Everyone raved about it, and my cousin even claimed he’d never liked salad until now!

FAQs :

What are the main ingredients in Cranberry Orange Walnut Quinoa Salad?

Cranberry Orange Walnut Quinoa Salad features a delightful mix of quinoa, fresh cranberries, walnuts, and orange segments. These ingredients provide a balance of flavors and textures, making the salad both nutritious and delicious. You will also need a dressing made from olive oil, honey or maple syrup, and a splash of lemon juice to enhance the flavors. This combination results in a refreshing dish perfect for any occasion.

How long does it take to prepare Cranberry Orange Walnut Quinoa Salad?

Preparing Cranberry Orange Walnut Quinoa Salad is quick and easy. Cooking the quinoa usually takes about 15 minutes, while chopping the fruits and nuts adds another 10 minutes to your prep time. In total, you can expect to spend around 30 minutes from start to finish. This makes it an ideal option for busy weeknights or as a last-minute addition to your meal prep.

Can I make Cranberry Orange Walnut Quinoa Salad ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare Cranberry Orange Walnut Quinoa Salad ahead of time! In fact, it tastes even better after the flavors meld together in the fridge for a few hours or overnight. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Just remember to give it a good stir before serving and consider adding a splash more dressing if needed for freshness.

Is Cranberry Orange Walnut Quinoa Salad gluten-free?

Absolutely! Cranberry Orange Walnut Quinoa Salad is naturally gluten-free since quinoa is a seed rather than a grain. This makes it an excellent choice for those following a gluten-free diet. Just ensure that any additional ingredients you use, such as dressings or toppings, are also gluten-free to maintain this friendly dietary option.

Conclusion for Cranberry Orange Walnut Quinoa Salad :

Cranberry Orange Walnut Quinoa Salad is a vibrant and healthy dish that’s perfect for various occasions. By combining quinoa with fresh cranberries, crunchy walnuts, and sweet oranges, you create an explosion of flavors and nutrients in each bite. The salad is not only simple to prepare but also versatile enough to be enjoyed as a side dish or main course. Whether you’re meal prepping or looking for something quick and satisfying, this salad offers both convenience and taste that everyone will love.

Print

Cranberry Orange Walnut Quinoa Salad

• Author: Sarah
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: Serves approximately 4
• Category: Salad
• Method: Mixing
• Cuisine: American

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

---

Description

Cranberry Orange Walnut Quinoa Salad is a refreshing, vibrant dish that combines tangy cranberries, zesty oranges, and crunchy walnuts for a delightful culinary experience. Perfect for any occasion!

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 cup quinoa
• 1 cup dried cranberries
• 1 cup fresh oranges, peeled and chopped
• 1 cup walnuts, roughly chopped
• 1/2 red onion, finely diced
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
• Salt and pepper to taste

---

Instructions

1. Rinse the quinoa under cold water using a fine mesh strainer.
2. In a medium saucepan, combine rinsed quinoa with 2 cups of water. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce to low, cover, and simmer for about 15 minutes until fluffy.
3. While quinoa cooks, chop the fresh oranges and walnuts. Finely dice the red onion and set aside.
4. Once the quinoa is cooked, let it cool slightly before transferring to a large mixing bowl. Add in chopped oranges, dried cranberries, walnuts, and diced onion.
5. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper. Pour the dressing over the salad mix and toss gently to coat evenly.
6. Serve immediately or chill in the fridge for about an hour to enhance flavors.

---

---

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (200g)
• Calories: 290
• Sugar: 20g
• Sodium: 40mg
• Fat: 14g
• Saturated Fat: 1g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 36g
• Fiber: 5g
• Protein: 7g
• Cholesterol: 0mg

Keywords: - You can substitute walnuts with pecans or add feta cheese for added creaminess. - For extra richness, consider adding diced avocado or using fresh cranberries when in season.