Bright, fresh, and beautifully festive, this Cranberry Quinoa Salad is the kind of dish that feels at home on any holiday table—yet simple enough for a weekday lunch. It’s a wholesome, flavor-packed option that brings together a deliciously divine mix of flavor and texture.
Why We Love This Cranberry Quinoa Salad
This speedy salad has been a tradition in our house for many years. It is perfect for the holidays, but we actually love to eat it all year round. I often find myself sneaking a little bowl of it for a quick snack or light lunch.
Whether you’re vegan or not, it’s a wholesome, flavor-packed option that brings together fluffy quinoa, sweet-tart cranberries, creamy feta, crunchy toasted pecans, and a sunny citrus dressing that ties everything together.
Holiday-friendly flavors: Cranberry + orange = instant festive magic.
Naturally nutritious: Protein-rich quinoa, heart-healthy nuts, and fruit add-in.
Customizable for allergies or preferences: Make it vegan, nut-free, dairy-free, or kid-friendlier in seconds.
Make-ahead favorite: Tastes even better after chilling.
It’s vibrant, nutrient-dense, and made with ingredients that even kids recognize and enjoy. Plus, it holds up so well in the fridge, making it perfect for parties, meal prep, or bringing to a potluck where you really want your dish to disappear.
Tips for Success:
- Rinse your quinoa before cooking to remove bitterness.
- Toast your pecans—it makes a huge difference in flavor and crunch.
- Let the quinoa cool fully to avoid melting the feta or steaming the greens.
- Double the dressing if you prefer a more citrus-forward salad.
Substitutions + Variations:
Make it vegan
Swap feta for vegan feta or omit entirely.
Make it nut-free
Replace pecans with roasted pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds.
Make it sweeter
Add diced apple, pear, or clementine segments.
Make it heartier
Add chickpeas, roasted sweet potatoes, or shredded kale.
Switch the grain
Works with farro, couscous, or brown rice.
More Festive Side Dish Recipes:
Cranberry Quinoa Salad
This Cranberry Quinoa Salad is a bright, festive, and healthy holiday side– perfect for potlucks, meal prep, and vegan-friendly gatherings!
Servings: 6
Citrus Dressing
- 1/4 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/2 tsp kosher salt
- 1/2 tsp freshly cracked black pepper
- 2 tsp mild coarse-grained mustard
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Cook the quinoa: Bring water or broth to a boil in a medium saucepan. Stir in the quinoa, reduce heat to low, cover, and let simmer for 15–20 minutes or until the liquid is absorbed. Remove from heat and let it stand for 5 minutes before fluffing with a fork. Allow to cool completely (chilling helps the salad hold its texture).
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Assemble the salad: In a large bowl, mix cooled quinoa with pecans, feta, green onions, cranberries, and orange zest.
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Dress it up: Whisk together all citrus dressing ingredients until smooth. Drizzle over the salad and toss gently to coat.
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Chill + serve:Cover and refrigerate until you’re ready to serve. The flavors deepen beautifully over time.