This side salad is fresh, light and super sweet with those dried cranberries. Adding fresh mint and orange to the dressing makes this Cranberry Almond Quinoa a keeper! {gluten free, vegan, dairy free}
Quinoa – are you over it yet? I’m not and never could be! It’s the perfect light gluten free grain to put in salads, casseroles, ground into flour and even as a savory breakfast.
It’s actually kind of amazing how nutritious this little grain can be.
HEALTH BENEFITS OF QUINOA
- contains protein
- fiber
- magnesium
- folate
- copper
- iron
- zinc
- potassium
- low glycemic index
- gluten free!
I love the combo of cranberries and mint in this salad. It’s so festive for the winter holidays and makes a great flavor pairing. The slivered almonds add a nice crunch.
This salad holds up well when made ahead and can be stored in the fridge for several days. I dressed mine ahead of time and just gave it a toss right before serving. Add some roasted chicken and make it a one bowl meal!
TEN QUINOA SALADS YOU WILL LOVE
- California Quinoa Salad
- Quinoa with Tomatoes and Zucchini
- Quinoa Breakfast Bowl
- Quinoa Tabbouleh
- Asian Quinoa Power Salad
- Roasted Broccoli Quinoa Salad
- Quinoa Summer Salad
- Quinoa Party Salad
- Quinoa Berries Walnut Salad
- Quinoa Fiesta Salad
This Cranberry Almond Salad would be perfect with Roasted Rosemary Lemon Chicken on Tender London Broil.
Cranberry Almond Quinoa
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked quinoa I use my rice cooker
- 1 cup craisins
- 1 cup slivered almonds
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint
Dressing
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tbsp finely chopped mint
- 4 tbsp fresh squeezed orange juice
- 1 tsp maple syrup (optional)
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Toss all salads ingredients in a medium bowl. Salt and pepper.
- In a small bowl whisk dressing ingredients together. Add some orange zest if you want extra orange flavor. Be sure to add salt and pepper to dressing.
- Pour over salad and toss with a fork. The fork keeps the quinoa fluffy.
Nutrition
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