Christmas Orange Cranberry Quinoa Salad

The holiday season calls for vibrant dishes that bring both flavor and festive cheer to the table. This Christmas Orange Cranberry Quinoa Salad is the perfect side dish for your holiday spread! Packed with tangy cranberries, juicy oranges, and a refreshing honey-lemon dressing, this salad is light, nutritious, and utterly delightful. Whether you’re hosting a family dinner or looking for a healthy potluck dish, this recipe will make your Christmas extra special.

Why You’ll Love This Salad

This Orange Cranberry Quinoa Salad has everything you want in a holiday dish:

1. Festive Colors: Bright red cranberries and orange citrus chunks pop beautifully against the quinoa base, making it a stunning addition to your holiday table.
2. Healthy & Wholesome: With protein-packed quinoa, vitamin-rich fruits, and heart-healthy nuts, it’s as nourishing as it is delicious.
3. Simple to Make: With minimal prep and a handful of ingredients, you can whip this salad up in no time.
4. Versatile: It works as a side dish, a light lunch, or even a topping for leafy greens.

When you take your first bite, you’ll taste the tart burst of cranberries mingling with the sweetness of honey and the citrusy zing of orange and lemon. The toasted nuts add a subtle crunch, and the cilantro rounds out the flavors with its herbal freshness.

Ingredients You’ll Need

this Recipe

• 1 cup cooked quinoa: Provides the base for this salad, adding a fluffy texture and nutty flavor.
• 1/2 cup fresh cranberries, chopped: Adds tangy tartness and vibrant color.
• 1 orange, peeled and diced: Offers juicy sweetness that balances the cranberries.
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro: Enhances the dish with fresh, citrusy notes.
• 1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts: Adds crunch and a toasty, nutty flavor.
• 2 tbsp honey: Brings natural sweetness to the dressing.
• 1 tbsp olive oil: Adds richness and ties the flavors together.
• 1 tbsp lemon juice: A bright, zesty component that balances the sweetness.
• Pinch of salt: Enhances all the flavors.

Tools You’ll Need

• A small saucepan for cooking quinoa
• A sharp knife and cutting board for chopping fruits and nuts
• A whisk or fork for mixing the dressing
• A large mixing bowl for assembling the salad

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Quinoa

Rinse 1 cup of quinoa thoroughly under cold water to remove any bitterness. Cook according to package instructions, usually by simmering it in water for about 15 minutes. Once cooked, fluff with a fork and let it cool completely.

Step 2: Prepare the Salad

In a large bowl, combine the cooled quinoa, chopped cranberries, diced orange, cilantro, and nuts. Gently toss to distribute the ingredients evenly.

Step 3: Make the Dressing

In a small bowl, whisk together honey, olive oil, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt. Mix until smooth and well combined.

Step 4: Toss & Serve

Drizzle the dressing over the quinoa mixture and toss gently to coat everything evenly. Serve immediately, or let the salad chill in the fridge for 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together beautifully.

What to Serve with This Salad

This festive quinoa salad pairs well with a variety of holiday dishes, such as:

• Roast Turkey or Chicken: Its citrusy, sweet notes complement savory main dishes perfectly.
• Glazed Ham: The honey and cranberries mirror the sweetness of the ham glaze.
• Vegetarian Main Dishes: Serve it alongside stuffed mushrooms, roasted Brussels sprouts, or sweet potato casserole for a meat-free feast.

Tips for Perfect Quinoa Salad

• Cool the Quinoa: Make sure the quinoa is completely cooled before mixing it with the other ingredients to prevent wilting.
• Toast the Nuts: For extra flavor, toast the pecans or walnuts in a dry pan over medium heat for 2-3 minutes.
• Adjust Sweetness: Feel free to add more or less honey to the dressing, depending on your preference.
• Make Ahead: This salad tastes even better after a few hours in the fridge, so it’s perfect for preparing ahead of time.

Storage Instructions

Store leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Stir before serving to redistribute the dressing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use dried cranberries instead of fresh?
Absolutely! If fresh cranberries are unavailable, substitute with 1/3 cup dried cranberries. Soak them in warm water for 10 minutes to soften before adding them to the salad.

What can I use instead of cilantro?
If you’re not a fan of cilantro, try fresh parsley or mint for a different twist.

Can I make this salad vegan?
Yes! Swap the honey for maple syrup to make the dressing vegan-friendly.

Is there a gluten-free option?
This recipe is naturally gluten-free, as quinoa is a gluten-free grain.

Nutritional Information (per serving)

• Calories: 190
• Protein: 5g
• Fat: 8g
• Carbohydrates: 25g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 10g

Bring Festivity to Your Table

This Christmas Orange Cranberry Quinoa Salad is the perfect way to celebrate the season with a dish that’s as beautiful as it is delicious. Its festive flavors and wholesome ingredients make it a showstopper at any holiday gathering.

Looking for more holiday-inspired dishes? Check out these recipes:

• Christmas Spinach Feta Pinwheels
• Christmas Puff Pastry Charcuterie Squares
• Rosemary Feta Christmas Tree Crackers

Don’t forget to leave a review below or share your creation on Pinterest by tagging us at EMMARECIPES18. Happy Holidays!

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