Holiday Quinoa Crunch Salad

This Holiday Quinoa Crunch Salad is bursting with flavor! Made with quinoa, pomegranate seeds, avocado, toasted almonds, and fresh parsley, this dish is a festive and healthy option for lunch or dinner!

I am sure most of you have those ubiquitous side dishes for your holiday meals that are a requested staple from family and friends. I know my family has theirs. But why not change things up and introduce this gem of a recipe? This salad is excellent alongside a holiday roast, but it is also a well-received option for your vegetarian guests. Quinoa, pomegranate arils (seeds), a bit of red onion, fresh flat-leaf parsley, and almonds make up the base of this recipe, making it packed full of nutritional benefits and texture but also a “gotta go back for more” flavor! Speaking of flavor, I think what really got me with this salad was the dressing. It is a light citrus dressing that has just a hint of holiday spice from cinnamon and allspice.

Since it is the holiday season and life gets a little busy, I like to make things easier in several ways. I make the quinoa the night before, I buy pomegranate arils already seeded (but if you are feeling ambitious or have a kitchen helper, see my kitchen tip here on how to deseed a pomegranate), and I also buy a package of Honey-Roasted Sliced Almonds. 

It is lovely, as I have just described, but the addition of avocado and Queso Fresco really takes it over the top by adding another layer of texture and flavor. Both are definitely optional, but they come highly recommended! Note: If you do use avocado, I like to keep it on the side for the holiday meal or, if packed individually for weekday lunches, to prevent oxidation.

Feel free to change the flavor profile by using a different type of nut, like roasted pistachio or candied walnut. Can’t find Queso Fresco? Feta would be a good substitute, or you can omit the cheese altogether to make it vegan. As I always say, “Make it for you; make it your own.” Happy cooking!

Source: Adapted from crazyvegankitchen.com

Holiday Quinoa Crunch Salad

By Nicole Prep: 5 minsCook: 15 minsResting Time: 15 minsTotal: 35 mins Servings: 4 This colorful salad is bursting with texture and flavor!

Ingredients 

For the Salad

• 1 ½ cups pre-washed red quinoa
• 3 cups water
• Pinch of kosher salt
• 1 cup pomegranate arils, seeds
• ¼ cup finely diced red onion
• 1 cup chopped flat-leaf parsley

For the Dressing

• 1 tablespoon orange zest from half an orange
• ½ cup freshly squeezed orange juice
• ⅓ cup Extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt, or to taste
• ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ⅛ teaspoon ground allspice

Accompaniments

• ½ cup Honey-Roasted Slice Almonds,
• 1-2 avocados, peeled, pitted and sliced or chopped
• 1 cup crumbled Queso Fresco or Feta cheese

Instructions 

For the Salad

1. In a medium saucepan, bring the water and salt to a boil. Add the quinoa and stir until well combined. Reduce the heat to medium-low. Cover and cook for 15 minutes or until the liquid is absorbed. Remove from the heat and let rest for 15 minutes. Fluff with a fork and set aside to cool to room temperature. (Quinoa can be made one day in advance, cooled completely, and refrigerated in an airtight container.)
2. Transfer the quinoa to a large bowl, and add the pomegranate arils, red onion, and parsley. Toss to combine; set aside.

For the Dressing

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the zest, juice, oil, vinegar, salt, pepper, and spices.
2. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to combine. Serve with almonds, avocado, and cheese if desired. Enjoy!

Notes

Quinoa can be made one day in advance, cooled completely, and refrigerated in an airtight container.

Nutrition

Calories: 394kcal, Carbohydrates: 50g, Protein: 9g, Fat: 19g, Saturated Fat: 2g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g, Monounsaturated Fat: 12g, Sodium: 212mg, Potassium: 466mg, Fiber: 5g, Sugar: 18g, Vitamin A: 896IU, Vitamin C: 28mg, Calcium: 67mg, Iron: 3mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.