30

min
  • salads

Quantum Quinoa and Cranberry Salad

Our Quantum Quinoa and Cranberry Salad is a delightful twist on your everyday salad. This recipe was inspired by the Iron Chef's challenge to craft a dish that is not only delicious, but also healthy and bursting with flavors. The sweetness of the dried cranberries, the crunchy texture of almonds, and the zesty orange dressing combined with the quinoa create a vibrant salad that is both satisfying and nutritious.

  • SERVES
    4 people
  • PREP TIME
    15 minutes
  • Cook TIME
    15 minutes
Ingredients
  • 1 cup quinoa
  • 2 cups water
  • 1/2 cup dried cranberries
  • 1/2 cup chopped almonds
  • 1 orange, zest and juice
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley for garnish
Directions
  1. Rinse the quinoa under cold water until the water runs clear.
  2. In a medium saucepan, bring the quinoa and water to a boil. Reduce to a simmer, cover, and cook until all the water is absorbed, about 15 minutes.
  3. While the quinoa is cooking, chop the almonds and set aside.
  4. In a small bowl, whisk together the orange zest, orange juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper to create the dressing.
  5. Once the quinoa is cooked, fluff it with a fork and allow it to cool.
  6. In a large bowl, combine the cooled quinoa, dried cranberries, and chopped almonds.
  7. Pour the orange dressing over the salad and toss until well combined.
  8. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

The Quantum Quinoa and Cranberry Salad is a modern spin on traditional grain salads. This recipe traces its roots back to the ancient Incas, who considered quinoa to be sacred and called it "the mother of all grains". It wasn't until recently that quinoa has gained popularity for its high protein content and health benefits, making it a staple in many health-conscious households.

The inspiration for this recipe came from the Iron Chef's challenge to create a dish that was not only bold and flavorful, but also health-conscious. The Iron Chef was inspired to use quinoa, a nutritious and versatile grain, as the base for this salad, adding a unique twist with the addition of dried cranberries and a zesty orange dressing.

What sets this salad apart from other quinoa salads is the use of dried cranberries and almonds. The dried cranberries add a level of sweetness that perfectly balances the nuttiness of the quinoa, while the almonds add a crunchy texture that contrasts beautifully with the softness of the quinoa.

The zesty orange dressing further elevates the flavor profile of this salad, adding a refreshing citrus note that cuts through the richness of the almonds and the sweetness of the cranberries. We believe the Quantum Quinoa and Cranberry Salad to be the perfect embodiment of the Iron Chef's culinary philosophy - a dish that is both delicious and nutritious. Enjoy this salad as a light lunch or as a side dish for your main course. It's a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!

salads