Lemon Cranberry Quinoa Salad Recipes

QUINOA CRANBERRY SALAD

Steps:

• Rinse the quinoa well in a fine sieve then add it to a dry pan and gently toast it over medium heat for a couple of minutes, keeping it moving, until it starts to smell a little nutty. Once it does turn off the heat.
• Add the water, bring to a simmer, and cook uncovered for about 10 minutes until the water has mostly absorbed.
• Turn off the heat, cover tightly and leave to steam for at least 5 minutes but longer is fine. Allow to cool completely before fluffing with a fork and continuing with the recipe. If you are in a hurry to cool it, you can spread it out in a thin layer on a cool plate or baking sheet.
• Rinse the quinoa in a sieve then tip the wet quinoa into the insert of your Instant Pot. Saute over medium heat for a few minutes, stirring frequently until it starts to smell nutty. Once it does turn the Instant Pot off.
• Add 1 cup of water to the quinoa, stir, then put the lid on and seal the vent. Set to 2 minutes high pressure and leave the pressure to naturally release. Remove the lid, allow to cool and fluff with a fork before using.
• Shred the spinach and stir it through the cooled quinoa. Add the cranberries and stir them through too.
• Zest the lemons and add it to a small jar or bowl. Juice the lemons and add the juice to the jar/bowl with the zest. Add the maple syrup, optional olive oil, salt and pepper. Put the lid on and shake it or whisk it together.
• Pour over the quinoa mixture and toss well to coat. Taste and add more salt and pepper if needed.

CRANBERRY QUINOA SALAD

Steps:

• Rinse your quinoa in a fine mesh strainer and then add to a saucepan.
• Add in veggie stock and turn on heat.
• Bring to a rolling boil, then stir and turn the heat down to low and cover.
• Cook for 15 minutes covered.
• Turn off heat and let sit for about 5 minutes.
• After 5 minutes, open lid and fluff with fork.
• Your quinoa should have absorbed all the water, if not, return to heat for a few more minutes.
• Pour quinoa into bowl for cooling.
• Assemble the dressing while you wait.
• Whisk together oil, lemon juice, garlic, dijon mustard, salt and pepper in one bowl.
• Once quinoa as completely cooled, add cranberries, green scallion, almonds, feta cheese, and parsley.
• Add dressing on top and mix together!
• Serve immediately or cold. This salad gets better the longer it sits in the fridge!
• Enjoy.

CRANBERRY LENTIL AND QUINOA SALAD

Steps:

• Place lentils and 1 bay leaf in a saucepan with enough water to cover and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer until lentils are tender, about 30 minutes; drain and discard bay leaf. Rinse with cold water until lentils cool and transfer to a large bowl.
• Bring 2 cups water, quinoa, and remaining bay leaf to a boil in a saucepan. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer until quinoa is tender and water has been absorbed, 15 to 20 minutes. Rinse quinoa with cold water until cool, discarding bay leaf. Stir quinoa into lentils.
• Heat lemon juice in a microwave-safe bowl in a microwave until warm, about 30 seconds. Stir honey into juice until dissolved. Add vinegar and salt; whisk in olive oil and season with black pepper. Pour lemon juice mixture into lentils and quinoa.
• Mix walnuts, cranberries, feta cheese, and green onion into lentil and quinoa salad. Toss to coat. Refrigerate until chilled, about 1 hour.

QUINOA SALAD WITH AVOCADO AND DRIED CRANBERRIES

Steps:

• Dressing: In a bowl, whisk together lemon zest, lemon juice, oil, coriander, cumin and paprika. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
• Salad:.
• In a saucepan, combine quinoa, salt and cold water; bring to a boil over medium high heat. Stir, reduce heat to low, cover and simmer for about 15 minutes or until water is absorbed and quinoa is tender. Fluff with a fork, spread on a large baking sheet and let cool completely.
• Place cranberries and apricots in a small bowl. Cover with warm water and let stand for about 5 minutes or until plump. Drain and set aside.
• Just before serving, peel avocados and cut into bite size chunks. Place in a bowl and toss with dressing to prevent discoloration. Add cooled quinoa, cranberry mixture, green onions and almonds.
• Make ahead: The dressing can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 day. The quinoa can be cooked up to 1 day in advance; after cooling, add the green onions and cranberry mixture, chill. Toss with the avocados just before serving.