Zesty Orange Cranberry Quinoa Salad
This vibrant and nutritious Zesty Orange Cranberry Quinoa Salad is perfect for a light lunch or as a colorful side dish for your dinner. Packed with protein-rich quinoa and sweet-tart cranberries, this salad is elevated by the refreshing zest of fresh oranges and a hint of aromatic curry. The bright colors and flavors make it an appealing addition to any meal, and it can easily be customized with other seasonal fruits or nuts. Satisfyingly filling and refreshingly tangy, this salad is a wholesome choice that brings health and flavor to your table.
N/A
Servings
92
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
olive oil
1 tablespoon (none)
scallion
1/2 cup (sliced)
curry powder
1 teaspoon (none)
chicken broth
2 cups (none)
quinoa
1 cup (rinsed and drained)
carrots
2 cups (shredded)
dried cranberries
1/2 cup (chopped coarsely)
orange
1 medium (peeled and cut into pieces)
orange peel
1 teaspoon (grated)
fresh parsley
2 tablespoons (chopped)
salt
to taste (none)
Instructions
1
Begin by peeling the orange, removing the bitter white pith, and cutting it into 1/2-inch pieces. Set aside.
2
In a medium saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced scallions and sauté for about 2 minutes until they begin to soften but do not brown.
3
Stir in the curry powder and cook for an additional 30 seconds, stirring continuously to release the spices' aromatic flavors without burning them.
4
Pour in the chicken broth and add the rinsed quinoa, along with 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Bring the mixture to a boil.
5
Once boiling, reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let simmer for 15 minutes, or until all the liquid is absorbed and the quinoa appears translucent.
6
In a separate medium bowl, combine the shredded carrots, chopped cranberries, orange pieces, grated orange peel, and another 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Mix well.
7
Carefully fold the carrot and cranberry mixture into the cooked quinoa. Cover the pot again and let it sit for 3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
8
Finally, sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley before serving.
Nutrition Information
2.5g
Fat
16g
Carbs
2.5g
Protein
2g
Fiber
3g
Sugar
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Zesty Orange Cranberry Quinoa Salad?
It is a vibrant and nutritious grain salad featuring protein-rich quinoa, sweet-tart cranberries, fresh orange zest, and a hint of aromatic curry.
How many calories are in a serving of this salad?
Each serving of this quinoa salad contains approximately 92 calories.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, since quinoa is a naturally gluten-free grain, this entire recipe is gluten-free.
How can I make this salad vegan?
To make this recipe vegan, simply substitute the chicken broth with vegetable broth or water.
How long does it take to cook the quinoa?
The quinoa needs to simmer for approximately 15 minutes after it reaches a boil.
What is the fat content of this dish?
There are 2.5g of fat per serving in this recipe.
How much protein does this salad provide?
This salad provides 2.5g of protein per serving.
What kind of oil should I use?
The recipe calls for 1 tablespoon of olive oil to sauté the scallions.
How do I prepare the orange for the salad?
Peel the orange, remove the bitter white pith, and cut the fruit into 1/2-inch pieces.
Should I rinse the quinoa before cooking?
Yes, the recipe specifies using rinsed and drained quinoa for the best results.
How many carbohydrates are in this salad?
There are 16g of carbohydrates per serving.
Can I add nuts to this recipe?
Yes, this salad is easily customizable and works very well with added seasonal nuts for extra crunch.
What gives the salad its aromatic flavor?
The aromatic profile comes from the combination of curry powder, fresh orange peel, and scallions.
How do I avoid burning the curry powder?
Stir the curry powder continuously for only 30 seconds before adding the liquid to release its aroma without burning.
How much fiber is in the Zesty Orange Cranberry Quinoa Salad?
Each serving contains 2g of dietary fiber.
When should I add the fresh parsley?
The freshly chopped parsley should be sprinkled over the salad as a final garnish just before serving.
How do I know when the quinoa is finished cooking?
The quinoa is done when all the liquid is absorbed and the grains appear translucent.
What type of broth is used in the original recipe?
The recipe calls for 2 cups of chicken broth to cook the quinoa.
Is there any sugar in this salad?
There are 3g of sugar per serving, primarily coming from the dried cranberries and fresh orange.
How much orange peel is required?
You will need 1 teaspoon of grated orange peel.
Can I use pre-shredded carrots?
Yes, 2 cups of shredded carrots are used, and pre-shredded store-bought carrots are a great time-saver.
How long should the salad rest after mixing?
After folding in the carrot and fruit mixture, let the pot sit covered for 3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
What is the purpose of the scallions?
Sautéed scallions provide a mild onion flavor that serves as a savory base for the salad.
Can I serve this salad cold?
Yes, while it can be served warm, it is also refreshing when chilled as a cold grain salad.
Is this a good option for a light lunch?
Absolutely, it is designed to be a satisfyingly filling yet light lunch or a colorful side dish.
How much salt is used in the recipe?
The recipe uses 1/2 teaspoon of salt divided during the process, plus more to taste.
What size should the orange pieces be?
The orange should be cut into approximately 1/2-inch pieces.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 11 total ingredients including the salt.
Can I substitute dried cranberries with something else?
Yes, you can use other dried fruits like raisins or dried cherries if preferred.
Does this recipe contain any cholesterol?
The provided nutritional data indicates no cholesterol content for this recipe.