It's always really tough getting back into our healthy eating habits after the holidays. We have been enjoying pecan pie, apple pie, stuffing, cranberry sauce and so many other treats we wait all year long to indulge in. It's time for a cleanse.
This winter quinoa salad is a great transition away from all the sweets because it combines ingredients you have been eating over the last few months in a very healthy way. In fact, quinoa has a ton of health benefits that you can learn about on Well-Being Secrets. This salad is also flexible and easily customized: Everything in the ingredients list can easily be substituted with whatever you have in your pantry.
The quinoa can be substituted with couscous, farrow, or brown rice; pecans can be substituted with any nuts you have on hand; cranberries with any dried fruit; and the lemon juice with vinegar. You can put just about anything in this salad that sounds good.
Simply combine all the ingredients and enjoy. There's a delightful crunch from the apple and celery. You can even make it a day ahead of time.
Ingredients
- 1 cup cooked quinoa
- ½ apple cored and diced
- ½ cup pecans
- ½ small onion chopped (about ¼ cup)
- 2 celery stalks cleaned and diced (about ½ cup)
- ¼ cup dried cranberries
- 1 lemon juiced (2-3 tablespoons)
- 2 teaspoons olive oil quick drizzle
- salt & pepper to taste
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients in a medium bowl.
- Adjust lemon juice for your preference and season with salt & pepper.
Notes
Jess says
Found this salad through an article on good quinoa recipes. This was delicious! I forgot the onion, and replaced the cranberries with chopped dried apricots/figs, and it was just yummy!
justin says
Hi Jess,
So glad it was delicious. I love how you swapped in ingredients for what you had on hand. That's the way to do it! 🙂
Holly says
Tastes good with cider vinegar instead of the lemon
justin says
Ooo, I bet! And it's now apple season, so it would be perfect. Thanks for the suggestion. 🙂
Kelley @ Chef Savvy says
This is a beautiful salad. I agree it has been hard for me to get back into healthy eating after the holidays as well. I will definitely be making this salad this week! Thanks!
justin says
Thanks, Kelly!