This Quinoa Salad with Dried Cranberries and Almonds is full of nutritious ingredients. And it has just enough sweetness and crispness to give it a perfect flavor combination.

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Financial compensation was not received for this post. A sample product was gifted from The Cranberry Institute. Opinions expressed here are my own.

It’s exciting to join up with The Cranberry Institute to provide you with delicious recipes containing cranberries. Because who doesn’t love fruit especially when it’s full of antioxidants!?

It’s springtime! Well at least that’s what the calendar says, it’s been spring for technically over a month, but the weather in Michigan thinks otherwise.

Regardless, salads remind me of warmer spring-like weather and this recipe fits the bill.

I am also continuously trying new combinations of ingredients and recipes (long before blogging). Mainly because my husband and I tend to get bored with the same old foods.

So when The Cranberry Institute gave me the recipe idea of a cold quinoa salad with dried cranberries and vegetables, I thought why not?

I had a friend over for a play date and shared this salad. She gave it a two-thumbs up as well as my husband.

I loved it as well, but after about an hour of eating a bowl of it, I was hungry again.

So I would definitely serve it as a side dish the next time I make it.

Nutritional Benefits of Cranberries

Research shows that cranberries can help prevent urinary tract infections.
Cranberries also prevent gastric ulcers, as shown by research studies.
Flavonoids are important antioxidants in cranberries. And a flavonoid-rich diet may reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.

Other Favorite Salads Similar to This Quinoa Salad with Dried Cranberries and Almonds

Greek Yogurt Broccoli Salad with Sunflower Seeds

Avocado Corn Tomato Salad

Lebanese Salad with Tomatoes and Cucumbers

Southwest Quinoa Salad {vegan}

Quinoa Salad with Dried Cranberries and Almonds

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Prep Time 20

Total Time 20

Servings

Ingredients

1 cup quinoa
2 cups water
3/4 cup dried cranberries
3/4 cup carrots, finely chopped
3/4 cup red peppers, finely chopped
3/4 cup green peppers, finely chopped
1 cup chickpeas, drained and rinsed
1/2 cup almonds, chopped
4 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon + 1 teaspoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon dijon mustard
1 teaspoon honey
black pepper and salt to taste

Instructions

Add the quinoa and water to a medium sauce pan. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and cover for 13-15 minutes or until all the water is absorbed.
Mix 1 tablespoon of lemon juice into the quinoa and let cool.
In a large bowl combine the cranberries, carrots, peppers, chickpeas and almonds.
Once quinoa has cooled, add the quinoa to the vegetable mix.
In a small bowl add the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, 1 teaspoon lemon juice, honey, salt and pepper. Whisk all ingredients together until well mixed.
Add the dressing to the quinoa vegetable mix and store in the refrigerator until ready to serve.

Notes

This salad can be served warm or cold!

Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

This Quinoa Salad with Dried Cranberries and Almonds post first appeared on Chocolate Slopes.

Heather Mason @Nutty Nutrition

Monday 11th of May 2015

yum! I love cranberries in quinoa salads!

Kristy Hegner

Adding cranberries to my salads is absolutely my newest favorite addition :)

Elizabeth @ Enjoy Every Bite

Tuesday 28th of April 2015

This looks so yummy and fresh! What a perfect salad to take on a picnic or to a pot luck this summer!

Wednesday 29th of April 2015

A picnic or pot luck are great ideas! Thanks Elizabeth :)

Jessica @ Nutritioulicious

I love adding dried fruit like cranberries to grain-based salads. What a colorful quinoa salad to add to my roster!

Thanks Jessica!

pam (Sidewalk Shoes)

Sounds delicious!

Thanks Pam!

Katie @ Mom to Mom Nutrition

I love quinoa salads--- and this one fits the bill for a meal or a side dish! Cranberries = my new go-to for adding in salads and breakfast oatmeal.

I agree - it's a great addition to any meal or as a meal itself :)

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