Best 5 Lemon Cranberry Quinoa Salad Recipes

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If you're looking for a light, refreshing, and flavorful salad that's packed with nutrients, then lemon cranberry quinoa salad is the perfect dish for you. This salad is made with quinoa, which is a gluten-free grain that's high in protein and fiber. It's also loaded with fresh cranberries, which are a good source of vitamin C and antioxidants. The lemon dressing adds a bright and tangy flavor that ties all the ingredients together. Whether you're serving it as a side dish or a main course, this salad is sure to be a hit.

Here are our top 5 tried and tested recipes!

LEMON CRANBERRY QUINOA SALAD



Lemon Cranberry Quinoa Salad image

As the family cook, I appreciate how easy this is to throw together on a busy weeknight. Plus, this salad never gets boring. One of my favorite variations is to substitute diced fresh mango for the cranberries, cilantro for the parsley, and lime for the lemon juice and zest. -Mary Shenk, DeKalb, Illinois

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Lunch

Time 30m

Yield 8 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 14

1/4 cup olive oil
2 teaspoons grated lemon zest
2 tablespoons lemon juice
2 teaspoons minced fresh gingerroot
3/4 teaspoon salt
SALAD:
2 cups reduced-sodium chicken broth
1 cup quinoa, rinsed
1 cup chopped peeled jicama or tart apple
1 cup chopped seeded cucumber
3/4 cup dried cranberries
1/2 cup minced fresh parsley
1 green onion, thinly sliced
1 cup cubed avocado

Steps:

  • For dressing, in a small bowl, whisk the first 5 ingredients until blended., In a small saucepan, bring broth to a boil. Add quinoa. Reduce heat; simmer, covered, 12-15 minutes or until liquid is absorbed. Remove from heat; fluff with a fork. Transfer to a large bowl., Add jicama, cucumber, cranberries, parsley and green onion to quinoa. Drizzle with dressing and toss to coat. Serve warm or refrigerate and serve cold. Gently stir in avocado before serving.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 218 calories, Fat 11g fat (2g saturated fat), Cholesterol 0 cholesterol, Sodium 370mg sodium, Carbohydrate 27g carbohydrate (8g sugars, Fiber 5g fiber), Protein 5g protein. Diabetic Exchanges

CRANBERRY LENTIL AND QUINOA SALAD



Cranberry Lentil and Quinoa Salad image

A healthy, protein-packed salad.

Provided by CeliaBelia

Categories     Salad     Grains     Quinoa Salad Recipes

Time 2h

Yield 12

Number Of Ingredients 15

1 cup dried lentils
2 bay leaves, divided
water to cover
2 cups water
1 cup quinoa
3 tablespoons lemon juice
1 teaspoon honey
1 tablespoon white wine vinegar
¼ teaspoon salt
3 tablespoons olive oil
ground black pepper to taste
½ cup coarsely chopped walnuts, toasted
½ cup dried cranberries, or to taste
½ cup crumbled feta cheese
1 small green onion, finely chopped

Steps:

  • Place lentils and 1 bay leaf in a saucepan with enough water to cover and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer until lentils are tender, about 30 minutes; drain and discard bay leaf. Rinse with cold water until lentils cool and transfer to a large bowl.
  • Bring 2 cups water, quinoa, and remaining bay leaf to a boil in a saucepan. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer until quinoa is tender and water has been absorbed, 15 to 20 minutes. Rinse quinoa with cold water until cool, discarding bay leaf. Stir quinoa into lentils.
  • Heat lemon juice in a microwave-safe bowl in a microwave until warm, about 30 seconds. Stir honey into juice until dissolved. Add vinegar and salt; whisk in olive oil and season with black pepper. Pour lemon juice mixture into lentils and quinoa.
  • Mix walnuts, cranberries, feta cheese, and green onion into lentil and quinoa salad. Toss to coat. Refrigerate until chilled, about 1 hour.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 205.1 calories, Carbohydrate 24.7 g, Cholesterol 5.6 mg, Fat 8.9 g, Fiber 6.5 g, Protein 7.8 g, SaturatedFat 1.8 g, Sodium 122.7 mg, Sugar 4.6 g

CRANBERRY AND CILANTRO QUINOA SALAD



Cranberry and Cilantro Quinoa Salad image

I got this recipe from the restaurant my dad built. I love the unique way of cooking the quinoa and the great combinations of the flavors.

Provided by Alison

Categories     Salad     Grains     Quinoa Salad Recipes

Time 2h30m

Yield 6

Number Of Ingredients 12

1 ½ cups water
1 cup uncooked quinoa, rinsed
¼ cup red bell pepper, chopped
¼ cup yellow bell pepper, chopped
1 small red onion, finely chopped
1 ½ teaspoons curry powder
¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro
1 lime, juiced
¼ cup toasted sliced almonds
½ cup minced carrots
½ cup dried cranberries
salt and ground black pepper to taste

Steps:

  • Pour the water into a saucepan, and cover with a lid. Bring to a boil over high heat, then pour in the quinoa, recover, and continue to simmer over low heat until the water has been absorbed, 15 to 20 minutes. Scrape into a mixing bowl, and chill in the refrigerator until cold.
  • Once cold, stir in the red bell pepper, yellow bell pepper, red onion, curry powder, cilantro, lime juice, sliced almonds, carrots, and cranberries. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Chill before serving.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 176.2 calories, Carbohydrate 31.6 g, Fat 3.9 g, Fiber 4.1 g, Protein 5.4 g, SaturatedFat 0.4 g, Sodium 13.1 mg, Sugar 8.2 g

QUICK LEMON AND GARLIC QUINOA SALAD



Quick Lemon and Garlic Quinoa Salad image

Make and share this Quick Lemon and Garlic Quinoa Salad recipe from Food.com.

Provided by GinnyP

Categories     Grains

Time 20m

Yield 4-6 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 10

1 cup dry quinoa (or 1/2 c quinoa & 1/2 c millet)
8 cups water
1 pinch salt
1/2 cup carrot, chopped
1/3 cup parsley, minced
1/4 cup sunflower seeds
2 -3 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons gluten-free soy sauce (such as San-J Wheat-Free Tamari Soy Sauce)

Steps:

  • Boil the water in a large stock pot.
  • Add salt and quinoa and boil for 10 minutes.
  • Drain in a strainer (like pasta).
  • Prepare dressing in a large bowl.
  • Add carrots, seeds, parsley, and cooked quinoa, and toss well.

CRANBERRY QUINOA SALAD



Cranberry Quinoa Salad image

From the Whole Foods website: Serve this sweet-tart salad alongside a leafy green salad, turkey, or grilled meats and chicken. Placed here for safe keeping.

Provided by Miss_Elaine

Categories     Low Protein

Time 15m

Yield 4 , 4 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 12

1 cup quinoa
2 cups water
4 tablespoons honey, divided
1 tablespoon lemongrass, minced
1 garlic clove, finely chopped
1 1/2 teaspoons serrano peppers, seeded and very finely chopped
1 1/2 cups cranberries
4 tablespoons fresh lime juice
1 tablespoon of fresh mint, finely chopped
1 tablespoon fresh cilantro, finely chopped
1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
salt

Steps:

  • Rinse quinoa several times.
  • Bring water and quinoa to a boil and simmer 20 minutes or until all liquid is absorbed.
  • Meanwhile, combine 2 tablespoons honey, lemongrass, garlic and peppers in a small bowl.
  • When quinoa is cooked, stir in honey mixture.
  • Chop cranberries with remaining 2 tablespoons honey and lime juice in food processor or blender; stir this into quinoa.
  • Add mint, cilantro, red onion and salt. Toss to combine and chill until ready to serve.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 250.3, Fat 2.5, SaturatedFat 0.3, Sodium 14.3, Carbohydrate 53.9, Fiber 4.5, Sugar 19.4, Protein 6.1

Tips:

  • Use fresh ingredients for the best flavor. Fresh cranberries, lemon juice, and herbs will all make a big difference in the taste of the salad.
  • Don't overcook the quinoa. Quinoa should be cooked until it is tender but still has a slight bite to it. If you overcook it, it will become mushy.
  • Let the salad cool before serving. This will help the flavors to meld together and will also make it easier to handle.
  • Serve the salad with a variety of toppings. Suggested toppings include crumbled feta cheese, chopped walnuts, and fresh herbs. You could also serve it with a light vinaigrette dressing.

Conclusion:

This lemon cranberry quinoa salad is a delicious and healthy dish that is perfect for any occasion. It's easy to make and can be tailored to your own taste preferences. So next time you're looking for a refreshing and flavorful salad, give this recipe a try!

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