What’s inside: Switch up your usual lunch or side dish options with this tangy and vibrant Orange Cranberry Quinoa Salad!
Cranberry Quinoa Salad with Orange Vinaigrette
There are two reasons I love this Orange Cranberry Quinoa Salad:
- healthy make-ahead meal planning
- as a quick and easy potluck recipe to bring to parties.
Quinoa salads like this one (which is one of my personal favs) are one of my go-to dishes to bring to parties because they are just so darn easy! Once your quinoa is cooked the salad can be thrown together in under five minutes and popped in the fridge for when you need it.
This quinoa salad is not only fast to make but also sweet and tangy at the same time! It’s full of healthy vegetables, refreshing fruit and good fats to keep you feeling full while providing lasting energy.
It’s sweet enough that kids will love it too! (But it’s naturally sweetened, so you don’t need to worry about the sugar overload in some salad recipes).
I also love the bright colors of this quinoa salad — you just feel good eating it! Something this pretty must be good for your body right? (And it actually is!)
Benefits of Cooking with Quinoa
Quinoa is one of our favorite grains and complex carbs to use in recipes. Here’s why:
- Packed with protein, fiber, and nutrients
- Easily takes on the flavors of any recipe
- A satisfying comfort food that’s not too filling
- Gluten free
- One of the original “superfoods”
Because of it’s high nutritional value, quinoa is becoming increasingly popular over other starchy carbs, like rice. Give it a try and you’ll grow to love the rich, nutty flavor! Plus, you’ll get to enjoy all the wonderful health benefits.
Fresh Fruit & Quinoa Salad Ingredients
You will need:
- 3 cups cooked quinoa (3/4 cups dry)
- 5 radishes, grated
- 2 carrots, grated
- 1/2 dried cranberries
- 1 orange, peeled and chopped
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
- 1/2 cup freshly squeezed orange juice (about one medium orange)
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 clove garlic, minced or pressed
Kitchen Tools You May Find Helpful:
- Non-slip mixing bowls
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Whisk
- Mason jar (for storing dressing)
Keep reading for step by step instructions and prep tips, or scroll to the bottom of the post for a free printable copy of this recipe.
How to Make Orange Cranberry Quinoa Salad
To make the quinoa salad:
Prepare quinoa according to directions on package and allow to cool to room temperature.
Add cooked quinoa, radishes, carrots, cranberries and oranges to a large mixing bowl and stir together.
To make the orange vinaigrette:
In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the dressing ingredients (orange juice, apple cider vinegar, olive oil and garlic).
Put it all together:
Pour the dressing over the salad and mix until combined. Keep refrigerated until ready to serve.
Salad will keep for 3-4 days in the fridge, so it is perfect to make ahead for parties or for healthy lunches on busy days.
TIP: Right before serving mix in the walnuts so that they stay crunchy!
Be sure to pin our healthy fruit & quinoa salad on Pinterest:
Grab our free printable for this Cranberry Orange Quinoa Salad recipe here:
Ingredients
- 3 cups cooked quinoa (3/4 cups dry)
- 5 radishes, grated
- 2 carrots, grated
- 1/2 dried cranberries
- 1 orange, peeled and chopped
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
- 1/2 cup freshly squeezed orange juice (about one medium orange)
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 clove garlic, minced or pressed
Instructions
- Make the salad by combining the cooked quinoa, radishes, carrots, cranberries and oranges in a large bowl and mixing well.
- In a smaller bowl, whisk together the dressing ingredients (orange juice, apple cider vinegar, olive oil and garlic).
- Pour the dressing over the salad and mix until combined.
- Pop in the fridge until ready to serve.
- Right before serving mix in the walnuts so that they stay crunchy!
More of our favorite healthy salad recipes:
Healthy Cowboy Taco Salad Recipe
