Zesty Curried Quinoa Salad with Cranberries
This vibrant and flavorful Zesty Curried Quinoa Salad with Cranberries is a delightful blend of nutritious ingredients and bold spices. It's perfect for a light lunch or as a refreshing snack, providing a satisfying balance of protein, fiber, and sweetness. The quinoa serves as a hearty base, while the crisp bell peppers and crunchy celery add texture, and dried cranberries bring a burst of tartness. The zesty dressing, infused with curry powder and a hint of honey, elevates this salad to new heights. Ideal for meal prepping or serving at gatherings, this dish will delight both health enthusiasts and casual diners alike. If quinoa is difficult to find, feel free to substitute with couscous or bulgur for a similar result.
4
Servings
120
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
water
2 cups (none)
quinoa
1 cup (rinsed and drained)
soy sauce
2 tablespoons (none)
cider vinegar
1 tablespoon (none)
honey
1 tablespoon (none)
curry powder
1 teaspoon (none)
crushed red pepper flakes
1/4 teaspoon (none)
green bell pepper
1 cup (chopped)
red bell pepper
1 cup (chopped)
celery
1/2 cup (finely chopped)
dried cranberries
1/2 cup (none)
Instructions
1
Rinse the quinoa thoroughly under cold running water to remove any bitterness, then drain well.
2
In a medium saucepan, bring 2 cups of water to a rolling boil over high heat.
3
Add the quinoa to the boiling water, stir briefly, then reduce the heat to low.
4
Cover the saucepan and simmer for approximately 15 minutes, or until all the water has been absorbed.
5
Once cooked, remove the saucepan from the heat and allow the quinoa to sit covered for 5 minutes.
6
Fluff the quinoa with a fork, then transfer it to a large bowl to cool.
7
In a separate small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, cider vinegar, honey, curry powder, and crushed red pepper flakes until well combined.
8
Add the chopped green and red bell peppers, finely chopped celery, and dried cranberries to the cooled quinoa.
9
Pour the soy sauce mixture over the salad and gently toss until all ingredients are evenly coated.
10
Serve immediately or refrigerate for 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Nutrition Information
1.5g
Fat
21g
Carbs
4.5g
Protein
2.5g
Fiber
5g
Sugar
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Zesty Curried Quinoa Salad with Cranberries?
It is a vibrant and flavorful salad featuring quinoa, crisp bell peppers, celery, and dried cranberries, all tossed in a zesty curry-infused dressing.
How many calories are in one serving of this quinoa salad?
Each serving contains approximately 120 calories.
Is this recipe considered healthy?
Yes, it is described as a nutritious dish providing a balance of protein, fiber, and healthy carbohydrates.
How much protein does this salad provide per serving?
This recipe provides 4.5g of protein per serving.
Is the Zesty Curried Quinoa Salad vegan?
The recipe includes honey; to make it strictly vegan, you can substitute the honey with maple syrup or agave nectar.
What can I use as a substitute if I cannot find quinoa?
You can easily substitute quinoa with couscous or bulgur for a similar texture and result.
How long does it take to cook the quinoa for this recipe?
The quinoa should simmer for approximately 15 minutes, followed by a 5-minute rest period off the heat.
What are the primary ingredients in the dressing?
The dressing is made from soy sauce, cider vinegar, honey, curry powder, and crushed red pepper flakes.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes 4 servings.
Is this salad good for meal prep?
Yes, it is ideal for meal prepping as the flavors meld well when refrigerated.
What types of bell peppers are used in this dish?
The recipe calls for 1 cup of chopped green bell pepper and 1 cup of chopped red bell pepper.
How much fiber is in each serving?
There are 2.5g of fiber per serving.
Do I need to rinse the quinoa before cooking?
Yes, rinsing the quinoa under cold running water is recommended to remove any natural bitterness.
What is the fat content per serving?
The salad is low in fat, containing only 1.5g per serving.
Does this recipe contain any spicy ingredients?
Yes, it contains 1/4 teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes and 1 teaspoon of curry powder for a zesty kick.
How much sugar is in the Zesty Curried Quinoa Salad?
There are 5g of sugar per serving, primarily from the honey and dried cranberries.
Can I serve this salad immediately after mixing?
Yes, you can serve it immediately, or refrigerate it for 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld further.
What is the total carbohydrate count per serving?
Each serving contains 21g of carbohydrates.
What is the preparation method for the celery?
The celery should be finely chopped before being added to the salad.
How much water is required to cook the quinoa?
You will need 2 cups of water for every 1 cup of quinoa.
What gives the salad its sweetness?
The sweetness comes from the combination of honey in the dressing and the dried cranberries.
Is there any cholesterol in this recipe?
Based on the provided nutritional information, there is no cholesterol in this dish.
Can I use this recipe as a snack?
Yes, it is categorized as both a lunch and a snack option.
How much curry powder is used?
The recipe uses 1 teaspoon of curry powder.
What type of vinegar is recommended?
The recipe specifies using 1 tablespoon of cider vinegar.
Is the sodium content high in this salad?
While specific sodium milligrams aren't listed, it contains 2 tablespoons of soy sauce, so you can use low-sodium soy sauce if you are watching your salt intake.
How do I ensure the quinoa is fluffy?
After letting the cooked quinoa sit covered for 5 minutes, use a fork to fluff the grains gently.
How many different ingredients are needed for this recipe?
The recipe requires 11 total ingredients including the dressing components and water.
Should the quinoa be hot when I add the vegetables?
No, the instructions suggest adding the peppers, celery, and cranberries to the cooled quinoa.
What is the primary flavor profile of this dish?
The profile is a balance of zesty, savory (curry/soy), and sweet (cranberries/honey) with a hint of spice.