Guest Blogger: Melissa Kathryn’s Cranberry Quinoa Salad
I was recently asked to be a guest speaker for a weight loss summit, hosted by Melissa Kathryn, so I asked Melissa to submit a recipe for her favorite salad that’s high in protein and easy to make. Here’s her quinoa and cranberry combo that I’ve adapted many times in my kitchen.
Cranberries are high in antioxidants and offer a bacteria fighting compound that’s helpful for UTI’s. They are also being studied for intestinal and stomach lining infections. Quinoa is one of my favorite balanced proteins, and a staple in my family’s diet. I know you love it, too.
Ingredients:
1 cup quinoa
2 cups water
½ cup raisins
½ cup dried cranberries (without added sugar)
4 tablespoons slivered almonds
½ cup diced celery
6 scallions, thinly sliced
3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
2-3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
pinch sea salt and black pepper to taste
Preparation:
1. Add 1 tablespoon oil to sauce pan, and dry saute quinoa until lightly toasted. Add water, quinoa, raisins, scallions and cranberries and bring to a boil, then lower heat and simmer for about 12 minutes or according to package directions, until water is absorbed.
2. Remove quinoa from heat, and allow to cool.
3. Add almonds and celery, and toss with olive oil and vinegar. Add sea salt and pepper to taste.
4. Chill until ready to serve. This recipe serves 4,and will last in the refrigerator for several days.
Melissa’s mission is to inspire women to become the best version of who they are by discovering how to lead a healthy and fit lifestyle, learning how to nurture your mind, body and spirit through positive thinking and passionate living. She is the Founder of the Radiance Method and her work includes counseling others on weight loss, wellness and body image issues.
To learn more about Melissa and her work visit her website at www.melissakathryn.com.
Thanks Melissa!
Nina / 2.22.2014
This morning I ate Oatmeal with nuts .
Love this recipe so easy and sounds delicious- just what I need because I live quinoa and the problem is that I am always buying it at a gourmet grocery- because I live in manhattan and it’s easy- B ut this sounds like I can handle it! Thanks again
Holli / 2.28.2014
Nina, it’s so easy to grab the gourmet stuff, isn’t it? I’m guilty, too, but the cool thing is that quinoa is so easy and fast to make. And you can control the oils (important) and quality. Keep eating your oatmeal, lady! XO H.