Citrus and Cranberry Quinoa Salad

Quinoa is gluten-free, fiber-rich, and grain-free source of protein that makes a perfect salad and side dish. Quinoa salad is a perfect dish to bring to any holiday party, especially with cranberries mixed in, and served alongside a side of green beans, it really fits the red and green Christmas aesthetic. It always gets me in the spirit of the season.

Quinoa has many health benefits. As a seed, instead of a grain, it avoids the inflammatory effects of many grain-based foods including bread and rice. If you are looking to go gluten-free or grain-free to avoid the inflammatory effects of many grains, quinoa is the perfect option. Additionally, quinoa is a great supplemental source of fiber and protein.

Below is the recipe for my quinoa salad. I hope you enjoy it!

Ingredients

Salad

• 2 cups of quinoa
• 1/4 cup of diced red onion
• 1/2 cup of Trader Joe’s dried unsweetened cranberries
• 1/3 cup of sliced Trader Joe’s honey roasted almonds
• 1/4-1/2 cup of chopped fresh organic parsley
• 1-2 mandarin oranges (16-32 segments)
• Sea Salt (La Baleine Fine Sea Salt is a great option.)
• Pepper

Dressing

• 1 squeezed lime
• 1/4 cup of rice vinegar (Marukan Organic Rice Vinegar is a great option.)
• 1/2 cup of olive oil (My favorite: Garcia de la Cruz Olive Oil)
• 1-2 tablespoons of honey (Local Hive New England)
• Sea Salt
• Pepper

Instructions

Salad

• Place 2 cups of quinoa in a pot with 4 cups of water
• Put on medium heat, wait until it boils over and water has been absorbed
• While quinoa is cooking:
  • Dice 1/4 cups of red onion
  • Chop parsley
  • Slice oranges into segments
• When quinoa is finished:
  • Dump into a large bowl
  • Mix in all ingredients

Dressing

• Mix all ingredients
• Pour over quinoa

Enjoy!