Get ready to elevate your salad game with the Quinoa Salad with Feta, Cranberries, and Herbs! This dish isn’t just a recipe—it’s a flavour-packed experience that’s about to become your new favourite go-to. Imagine a bowl filled with fluffy quinoa, tangy cranberries, creamy feta, and a garden’s worth of fresh herbs, all tossed together in a zesty dressing that’s bursting with citrusy goodness.
In just 35 minutes, you can whip up this vibrant masterpiece that’s as nutritious as it is delicious. Whether you’re craving a light lunch or searching for the perfect side dish to steal the spotlight at your next gathering, this salad has you covered. Plus, it’s so versatile that it pairs perfectly with everything from grilled meats to seafood.
So, why wait? Let’s dive into the kitchen and create something truly extraordinary together. Trust me, once you taste this Quinoa Salad with Feta, Cranberries, and Herbs, you’ll never look at salads the same way again!
Ingredients Spotlight
Before we dive into crafting this sensational salad, let’s take a moment to spotlight the key players that make this dish a standout. Each ingredient is selected not just for its flavour, but for its health benefits and the vibrant touch it adds to the salad. Here’s the lowdown on what makes our salad ingredients so special:
Quinoa: Far more than just a foodie fad, quinoa is a superfood pseudo-grain that packs a powerful punch of protein and fibre, offering you all the fuel you need to power through your day with gusto.
Slivered Almonds: Adds a perfect crunch and is a great source of healthy fats.
Dried Cranberries: Their sweet tanginess contrasts beautifully with the other ingredients. Opt for organic cranberries sweetened naturally with apple juice for a cleaner, more natural flavour that enhances the salad without the extra additives.
Pomegranate Seeds: Offers a juicy burst of flavour and packs powerful antioxidants.
Baby Spinach: A mild, versatile green, rich in iron and vitamins A and C. It complements the brighter notes of the other ingredients while boosting the nutritional value of the salad, making every forkful as healthful as it is delicious.
Fresh Herbs (Mint, Parsley, Dill): These are the ultimate freshness squad, elevating the salad from good to “Can I have seconds?”. Chop your herbs last minute to keep them fresh and fragrant — your salad will thank you!
Greek Feta: Salty and creamy, it balances out the sweetness of the fruit. And because everything’s better with a sprinkle of creamy, salty goodness, right?
Lemon-Zaatar Dressing: This is where the magic happens—a dressing so lively it dances right off your plate.
Why You’ll Adore this Quinoa Salad Recipe
- Flavour Explosion: Za’atar-spiced quinoa, creamy feta, sweet cranberries, and fresh herbs create a taste sensation.
- Nutrient-Rich: Packed with quinoa, veggies, and herbs, it’s as nutritious as it is delicious.
- Customisable: Swap nuts, fruits, and cheese to suit your taste and dietary preferences.
- Quick Prep: Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s perfect for busy schedules.
- Versatile: This salad is a true all-rounder! Whether it’s a light lunch or a festive dinner, it’s ready to impress at any gathering.
Customise Your Quinoa Salad: Easy Swaps and Substitutions
Want to switch things up? This section is packed with quick swaps and easy tweaks to make the Ultimate Quinoa Power Salad work just for you. Whether you’re adjusting for taste, allergies, or pantry options, here are some versatile ideas to keep your salad fresh and fabulous. Let’s personalise your plate!
No Nuts, No Problem: Swap those almonds for some crunchy seeds or roasted chickpeas if nuts aren’t your thing.
Cheese Selection: Za’atar spice pairs beautifully with creamy and tangy cheeses. Feel free to explore beyond feta! Goat cheese adds creaminess and a slightly tangy taste that balances the earthy flavours of the spice blend.
Team Vegan: Ditch the feta and either go cheese-free or throw in some vegan feta for that creamy kick.
Sweet Swaps: Maple syrup can be substituted with honey or agave syrup depending on your taste or what you have on hand — whatever sweetener you prefer, go for it!
Greens Galore: Not a fan of spinach? Try arugula for a peppery bite or kale for a heartier texture.
Fruit Flips: Substitute dried cranberries with dried cherries or apricots for a change in sweetness and tartness. Or mix in fresh apple or pear slices for a crisp texture.
Herb Refresh: Use basil or cilantro instead of, or in addition to, the herbs listed for a fresh flavour pop.
Looking to switch up your usual quinoa salad? I’ve got two fabulous grains that will totally transform your next dish. Here’s why they stand out:
Bulgur Wheat
This is your go-to for a quick fix with a fabulous pay-off! With its light, nutty essence and wonderful ability to soak up all those yummy dressings, bulgur wheat is a dynamo in salads. It’s super popular in Middle Eastern cuisine, so you know it’s going to vibe well with all sorts of herbs, nuts, and fruits. Why It’s Great: It has a similar texture and a slightly nutty flavour. It’s also partially cooked, which means it can be prepared quickly, making it a convenient choice for busy weeknights.
Couscous
Like a culinary chameleon, couscous pairs brilliantly with a variety of flavours, from the bold and savoury to the subtly sweet. For those seeking a healthier option, whole wheat couscous is available, offering all the benefits of whole grains. Why It’s Great: Although technically a tiny pasta, resembles quinoa in appearance and has a delightful light texture. It’s extremely quick to cook, often ready in just 5 minutes.
Gluten-free Alternatives:
If you need a gluten-free alternative, consider millet or amaranth. Millet is a gluten-free grain with a mild flavour, making it versatile for various dishes, while amaranth, actually a seed like quinoa, offers a slightly nutty flavour and maintains a good texture in salads and side dishes.
Habt Ihr Lust auf mehr Rezepte mit Quinoa?
Dann empfehle ich Euch eins dieser leckeren Rezept:
- Quinoa Salad with Roasted Eggplant and Tomatoes
- Quinoa Salad with Za’atar, Herbs & Pistachio
- Sommer Quinoa Salad with Tomato, Cucumber and Spinach
- Quinoa Salad with Orange, Mint, Parsley & Almonds
Quinoa Salad with Feta, Cranberries, and Herbs
Ingredients
For the salad:
- 1 cup quinoa, rinsed (200 g)
- ½ cup slivered almonds, lightly roasted (50 g)
- 35 g dried cranberries, coarsely chopped (2 tablespoons)
- seeds from 1/2 pomegranate, plus more to garnish
- 2-3 handfuls baby spinach
- 1 generous handful mint leaves, chopped (about 1/4 cup or 4 tablespoons)
- handful flat-leaf parsley, chopped (about 2 tablespoons)
- handful dill, chopped (about 2 tablespoons)
- 75 g greek feta, crumbled (plus more to garnish)
For the dressing:
- 1 teaspoon finely grated lemon zest, from an organic lemon
- 3 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons za'atar
- 1 teaspoon maple syrup (or honey)
- Sea salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste
Method
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In a medium saucepan, bring 2 cups (250 ml) water to a boil. Add the rinsed quinoa. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the quinoa is cooked through and the water is absorbed. Remove from heat, let sit covered for 5 minutes, fluff with a fork, and transfer to a large serving bowl to cool.
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Meanwhile, in a small bowl, combine the lemon zest, lemon juice, olive oil, za’atar, and maple syrup. Whisk until well combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Set aside.
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To the bowl with the quinoa, add roasted slivered almonds, chopped dried cranberries, pomegranate seeds, baby spinach, chopped mint, parsley, and dill. Toss gently to combine the ingredients thoroughly.
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Drizzle the dressing over the salad, tossing well to ensure all ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing.
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Finally, sprinkle the crumbled feta over the salad, gently folding it in to distribute evenly. Taste and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper, if needed. Serve chilled or at room temperature, garnished with additional herbs or pomegranate seeds, if desired.
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Transfer the salad to a serving dish and garnish with additional pomegranate seeds and feta, if desired. Serve and enjoy!
Notes
- Serving suggestions: This vibrant salad is perfect as a standalone meal or as a refreshing side to grilled meats or fish.
- For make-ahead ease, prep quinoa and dressing separately, and combine with greens and herbs just before serving to maintain freshness.
- Storage Tips: Store any unused salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Just be sure to give it a good toss before serving to redistribute the dressing and flavours.
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