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This simple quinoa cranberry salad recipe is a healthy side dish perfect for dinner or meal prep. Quinoa recipes are a great way to incorporate whole grains into your day. 

Ditch the heavy sides and embrace this light and flavorful quinoa salad recipe. This vibrant dish features fluffy cooked quinoa simmered in savory chicken broth, bursts of dried cranberries, crunchy sliced almonds, and all tossed together with tender, baby spinach. The simple balsamic vinaigrette, perfectly balanced with sweet honey and rich olive oil, ties everything together. This healthy and satisfying salad is a perfect accompaniment to any main course and will leave you feeling happy and nourished.

This quinoa salad with dried cranberries and almonds recipe is both gluten-free and dairy-free and is ready in under 30 minutes. 

Ingredients for Cranberry Almond Quinoa Salad

This quinoa recipe is made with simple, wholesome ingredients like tri-color quinoa, unsweetened cranberries (or sweet cranberries), and sliced almonds, this salad comes together in a flash, making it a perfect weeknight side dish.

• 1 cup quinoa (measured dry)
• 2 cups chicken broth, (or 2 cups of water)
• 1/2 cup dried cranberries
• 1/2 cup sliced almonds
• 1 cup fresh baby spinach, chopped
• 3 Tbsp olive oil
• 1 Tbsp balsamic vinegar
• 1 Tbsp raw honey
• salt and black pepper to taste

Ingredients Tips and Substitutions

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You can use any quinoa for this recipe. I am using organic tricolor quinoa, you can use plain quinoa or white quinoa. Make sure to measure the quinoa seeds dry.  

To cook the quinoa you can use storebought chicken broth, homemade broth, vegetable broth, or plain water. The broth adds a nice flavor to the recipe. 

When it comes to dried cranberries, many are made with added sugar. You can certainly use any of those. If you are interested in a no-sugar-added kind, then these unsweetened cranberries are perfect. You can also try these apple juice sweetened dried cranberries that are sweetened with apple juice instead of traditional sugar. 

Quinoa for Beginners

Quinoa is a tiny seed, though it’s often referred to as a whole grain due to its similar nutritional profile. Even though it’s not technically a grain, it’s packed with protein, fiber, and various essential vitamins and minerals. It’s become increasingly popular in recent years due to its versatility and impressive health benefits.

Is Quinoa Eaten Hot or Cold

You can enjoy quinoa cold or hot. It’s a very versatile ingredient.

• Hot: This is the most common way to eat quinoa. It’s typically cooked in water or broth, resulting in a fluffy texture.
• Cold: Cooked quinoa cools down well and retains its texture.

How to Make a Healthy Quinoa Cranberry Salad Recipe

The first step in making this quinoa cranberry salad is to prepare the quinoa.

How to Clean Quinoa

First, put the dry quinoa in a small pot or small saucepan, and fill it with enough water to cover the quinoa seeds.

Next, swish the quinoa seeds in the water for a few seconds to rinse the quinoa. Then drain. The best quinoa strainer is a simple fine mesh strainer.

How to Cook Quinoa

Then transfer the rinsed quinoa back into the small pot and add the broth.

Bring to a boil over medium heat, then reduce to a simmer. Cover and let simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until all of the liquid is absorbed. 

How to Make Spinach Quinoa Cranberry Almond Salad

While the quinoa cooks, chop the baby spinach with a sharp knife.

Next, transfer the cooked quinoa to a large bowl once it has finished cooking and has absorbed all of the liquid. Then add the chopped spinach to the warm quinoa and stir until the baby spinach is wilted. 

Next, add the cranberries and sliced almonds, and stir to combine.

Quinoa Spinach Cranberry Salad Vinaigrette Recipe

Prepare the vinaigrettete. In a small bowl combine the olive oil, balsamic, honey, and salt and pepper. Whisk to combine. 

Pour the balsamic vinaigrette into the bowl with the quinoa cranberry salad recipe. Stir/toss to coat.

Allow the quinoa salad to sit at room temperature or chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld. Garnish with fresh herbs like fresh parsley (optional).

Spinach Quinoa Cranberry Salad Recipe

Serve this quinoa salad warm or cold depending on your personal preference.

This healthy quinoa salad recipe offers a delightful and nutritious option that’s perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep. Packed with protein-rich quinoa, tart cranberries, crunchy almonds, and fresh baby spinach, this vibrant salad boasts a light and flavorful profile.

The simple balsamic vinaigrette ties everything together, creating a perfect side dish that complements your favorite protein. Made with simple ingredients and ready in under 30 minutes, this gluten-free and dairy-free salad is a healthy and delicious way to incorporate whole grains into your diet.

What Can Quinoa Be Eaten With

This tasty healthy quinoa recipe can be enjoyed with any main dish or your favorite protein:

• Air Fryer Chicken Tenders
• Air Fryer NY Strip Steak
• Bacon Wrapped Pork Tenderloin

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