3 Wintertime quinoa salads to add some superfood to your holiday spread

Sure, when you think of salads, you think of them being a summery dish. But with the right ingredients and some creativity, you can enjoy a delicious salad in the colder months too. These winter-inspired quinoa salads are not only healthy but also great for the holidays, and each makes an excellent side dish to your festive meals.

Pears, cranberries and citrus fruits are in season right now, and all are perfect for these recipes. The cheeses and other ingredients in the salads complement those flavors, like the grapefruit and cranberries, which can be tart. Feel free to play around with the ingredients and make the recipes your own.

Cooking tip: Make your quinoa ahead of time to save time in the kitchen. For every 1 cup of dry quinoa, use 2 cups of liquid (water or broth). Cook uncovered over medium heat for 15 minutes or until the liquid has cooked away.

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Pear, arugula, walnut and quinoa salad recipe

Simple yet elegant, fresh pears and salty Gorgonzola make this the perfect sweet-and-savory salad.

Serves 6

Total time: 15 minutes

Ingredients:

• 3 cups cooked quinoa
• 4 strips cooked bacon, finely chopped
• 1/4 cup balsamic salad dressing
• 4 cups baby arugula
• 2 red pears, diced
• 1/2 cup walnut halves
• 1/4 cup crumbled Gorgonzola cheese

Directions:

1. In a bowl, combine the quinoa, bacon and balsamic dressing, and mix well.
2. Place the arugula in a serving bowl, and top with the quinoa mixture.
3. Finish the salad by adding the pears, walnuts and Gorgonzola on top.
4. Serve at room temperature, tossing well before serving.

Next: Orange-cranberry quinoa salad recipe

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Image: Brandi Bidot/SheKnows

Orange-cranberry quinoa salad recipe

Full of sweet fresh oranges and cranberries, this quinoa salad is perfect for the holidays.

Serves 6

Total time: 15 minutes

Ingredients:

• 3 cups organic spring mix greens
• 1 large navel orange, juiced and zested
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon honey
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 large navel oranges, diced
• 3 cups cooked quinoa
• 1 cup dried cranberries
• 1/2 cup sliced green onions
• 1/2 cup crumbled feta
• 1/4 cup pumpkin seeds

Directions:

1. On a serving plate, arrange the spring mix greens, and set aside.
2. In a bowl, combine the orange juice, orange zest, olive oil, honey, salt and pepper. Mix well, and add in 1/2 the diced oranges, quinoa, cranberries and green onions.
3. Toss well, and transfer to the serving plate.
4. Garnish with the remaining oranges, feta and pumpkin seeds, and serve.

Next: Pink grapefruit-kale quinoa salad recipe

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Image: Brandi Bidot/SheKnows

Pink grapefruit-kale quinoa salad recipe

Pink grapefruit adds beauty and tartness, while the avocado balances the flavors of this salad.

Serves 6

Total time: 15 minutes

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 lime, juiced
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 3 cups cooked quinoa
• 3 cups fresh green kale, chopped
• 1-1/2 cups fresh pink grapefruit chunks
• 2 small avocados, cubed
• 1/4 cup toasted pine nuts

Directions:

1. In a bowl, combine the olive oil, honey, lime juice, garlic powder and desired amount of salt and pepper.
2. Mix, add the quinoa to the bowl, and toss well to evenly flavor the quinoa.
3. Place the chopped kale on a serving plate, and top with the quinoa.
4. Top the salad with the grapefruit, avocado and toasted pine nuts, and serve.

More quinoa recipes

Southwestern quinoa bake
Quinoa veggie fried rice
Quinoa veggie skillet