Festive Orange Cranberry Quinoa Salad Recipe for Christmas

Quinoa takes center stage in this festive holiday salad bursting with vibrant flavors.

Seasonal citrus and tart berries dance across colorful layers of fluffy grains.

Mediterranean-inspired ingredients weave together a delightful medley that feels both light and indulgent.

Crisp textures complement sweet and tangy notes, creating a refreshing dish perfect for winter gatherings.

Nutritious and elegant, this salad brings sophisticated charm to your seasonal table.

Each bite promises a delectable blend of wholesome quinoa and bright, zesty accents.

You’ll love how quickly this recipe comes together for an impressive side dish that sparks conversation.

Let’s transform your holiday spread with this irresistible culinary creation.

Orange Cranberry Quinoa Salad (Christmas) Ingredients

• Quinoa: A protein-packed, gluten-free seed with a light, fluffy texture.

• Orange, Cranberries, Cilantro: Bright, tangy fruits and herb for festive flavor.

• Nuts: Adds texture and nutty richness to the salad.

• Honey, Olive Oil, Lemon Juice, Salt: Balanced sweet and tangy dressing for coating the salad.

Putting Together Christmas Orange Cranberry Quinoa Salad

Step 1: Prepare Quinoa

Cook quinoa following package guidelines. After cooking, spread quinoa on a flat surface and allow it to cool completely to room temperature. This helps prevent the salad from becoming mushy and ensures each grain remains separate and fluffy.

Step 2: Chop Fresh Ingredients

• Cilantro leaves
• Dried cranberries
• Chopped nuts (like pecans or almonds)

Step 3: Create Zesty Dressing

• Honey
• Extra virgin olive oil
• Fresh lemon juice
• Pinch of sea salt

Whisk ingredients until they form a smooth, well-integrated dressing with a bright, tangy flavor.

Step 4: Combine Salad Components

Add all chopped ingredients to the cooled quinoa. Gently fold the dressing into the quinoa mixture, ensuring every grain gets coated with the flavorful sauce. Mix carefully to prevent crushing delicate ingredients.

Step 5: Chill and Serve

Transfer salad to a serving dish. Refrigerate for 30 minutes to enhance flavor melding. Serve cold or at room temperature as a refreshing holiday side dish or light lunch.

Salad Tips That Blend Cranberry, Orange, and Quinoa Beautifully

• Rinse Quinoa Thoroughly: Use a fine-mesh strainer to wash away the bitter saponin coating, ensuring a cleaner, more pleasant taste.
• Chill for Maximum Flavor: Let the salad rest in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld and intensify.
• Boost Protein Power: Add grilled chicken or tofu for a more substantial meal that's perfect for light lunches or dinner sides.
• Swap Ingredients Creatively: Replace cranberries with pomegranate seeds or swap cilantro for fresh mint to create exciting flavor variations.
• Make Ahead Friendly: This salad stays fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, making it an excellent meal prep option for busy weeks.

Tips to Keep Christmas Orange Cranberry Quinoa Salad Fresh

• Store in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days, keeping the salad fresh and flavors intact. Ensure the container is sealed tightly to prevent moisture and maintain texture.
• Not recommended due to quinoa's delicate texture and herbs potentially losing their crispness. Freezing might make the salad watery and compromise its original quality.
• Gently warm in the microwave for 30-45 seconds, stirring halfway through to distribute heat evenly. Add a splash of fresh lemon juice or olive oil to revive the dressing and restore moisture.
• Let the salad sit out for 15-20 minutes before serving to allow flavors to blend and ingredients to reach a pleasant eating temperature.

Great Sides for Cranberry Quinoa Salad

• Uncork Festive Wine Pairing: Crisp Sauvignon Blanc perfectly complements the bright citrus notes and tangy cranberries, cutting through the salad's richness with its zesty acidity.
• Elevate with Sparkling Prosecco: Light, bubbly prosecco adds celebratory charm and matches the salad's refreshing holiday spirit, enhancing its festive orange and cranberry flavors.
• Craft Herbal Cocktail Companion: Create a rosemary gin spritzer that echoes the salad's herbal cilantro undertones, providing a sophisticated and complementary drink experience.
• Match Craft Holiday Beer: A winter wheat ale with subtle orange peel and spice notes harmonizes wonderfully with the quinoa salad's festive ingredients, creating a balanced seasonal pairing.

Cranberry Quinoa Salad Takes

• Vegan Citrus Quinoa Mix: Replace honey with maple syrup and use toasted pumpkin seeds instead of nuts for a plant-based alternative.
• Gluten-Free Festive Salad: Ensure quinoa is certified gluten-free and swap cilantro with fresh parsley for those with herb sensitivities.
• Protein-Packed Winter Salad: Add grilled chicken or chickpeas to increase protein content, creating a more substantial meal option.
• Low-Carb Mediterranean Version: Substitute quinoa with cauliflower rice and add feta cheese for a Mediterranean-inspired light and zesty dish.

FAQs

• Is quinoa good for you?

Quinoa is a nutrient-dense superfood packed with protein, fiber, essential minerals, and all nine amino acids, making it an excellent healthy grain alternative.

• Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare this salad a day in advance. Store it in the refrigerator and toss gently before serving to refresh the flavors.

• What if I don't like cilantro?

If you’re not a fan of cilantro, you can easily substitute it with fresh parsley or mint for a different but equally delicious herb flavor.

• Are the nuts optional in this recipe?

While nuts add a nice crunch and nutritional boost, they’re optional. If you have nut allergies or prefer, you can omit them or replace them with seeds like sunflower or pumpkin seeds.

What Adds Zing to Orange Cranberry Quinoa Salad

• Boost Nutrient Power: Packed with protein-rich quinoa, antioxidant-loaded cranberries, and zesty orange, this salad delivers a powerhouse of nutrition in every delightful bite.
• Whip Up Effortlessly: Incredibly simple to prepare with basic ingredients and minimal cooking, making it perfect for busy home cooks who want a quick and healthy dish.
• Festive Holiday Charm: Bursting with vibrant colors and seasonal flavors, this salad brings a cheerful, celebratory touch to any holiday gathering or winter potluck.
• Versatile Serving Option: Enjoy as a refreshing side dish, light lunch, or make-ahead meal that tastes amazing chilled or at room temperature, offering maximum flexibility for your menu.

Christmas Orange Cranberry Quinoa Salad Recipe

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4.6 from 35 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Festive Christmas Orange Cranberry Quinoa Salad brings Mediterranean warmth to winter tables with zesty citrus and sweet-tart berries. Holiday gatherings welcome this elegant, wholesome dish that blends nutrition and seasonal celebration.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 cup (240 ml) cooked quinoa
• 1/2 cup (75 g) fresh cranberries, chopped
• 1 orange, peeled and diced

Nuts and Herbs:

• 1/4 cup (30 g) chopped pecans or walnuts
• 1/4 cup (15 g) chopped fresh cilantro

Dressing and Seasoning:

• 2 tablespoons (30 ml) honey
• 1 tablespoon (15 ml) olive oil
• 1 tablespoon (15 ml) lemon juice
• 1 pinch of salt

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Instructions

1. Thoroughly cleanse quinoa under cool running water, then prepare according to package guidelines, ensuring grains are fluffy and separated. Allow quinoa to cool to ambient temperature, spreading on a flat surface to expedite cooling process.
2. Select a spacious mixing vessel and combine the cooled quinoa with vibrant dried cranberries, zesty orange segments, fragrant cilantro leaves, and crunchy chopped nuts, creating a colorful and textural foundation.
3. Craft a luxurious dressing by whisking golden honey, robust extra virgin olive oil, bright freshly squeezed lemon juice, and a delicate pinch of sea salt in a compact mixing container until ingredients harmonize smoothly.
4. Delicately drizzle the prepared dressing over the quinoa medley, using gentle folding motions to ensure even distribution and prevent ingredient compaction, allowing each component to absorb the tangy-sweet flavor profile.
5. Transfer the salad to a serving platter, presenting it either thoroughly chilled from refrigeration or at comfortable room temperature, which allows the ingredients’ natural essences to bloom and interplay.

Notes

• Master quinoa cooking by rinsing thoroughly to remove bitter coating and ensure fluffy texture.
• Toast nuts lightly before adding to enhance their nutty flavor and provide extra crunch to the salad.
• Customize this dish by substituting honey with maple syrup for a vegan-friendly version or adding roasted chickpeas for extra protein.
• Prepare ingredients ahead of time and store separately to maintain freshness, mixing just before serving to prevent soggy salad.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 240
• Sugar: 10 g
• Sodium: 50 mg
• Fat: 9 g
• Saturated Fat: 1 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 36 g
• Fiber: 5 g
• Protein: 6 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg