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Easy Cherry Quinoa Salad + Honey Ginger Dressing

August 26, 2015 By Jessica

Michael and Ely (my twin boys) started school today (5th grade already!), Mr. teenager started high school (yikes!) last week. With all three in school now I decided to take a breather for a minute to enjoy some quiet time sitting outside, slowly sipping my americano and letting the sounds of nature consume me.

I love summer – don’t get me wrong – but I also love when the kids are in school (am I the only one here?) and so do they. They really do! The twins couldn’t wait for school to start, we have been counting down the days. My teenager wasn’t counting the days, more like whining that summer is ending for him—my guess is he is a little nervous and excited at the same time—and also enjoys getting up at noon.

So now that it’s back-to-school time again I’m thinking quick and easy meals that will also do well as a packed lunch.

Gluten-free-dairy-free-vegan-Quinoa-Salad-with-Cherries-and-Almonds-in-a-honey-ginger-dressing-From Jessica's Kitchen

Gluten-free-dairy-free-vegan-Quinoa-Salad-with-Cherries-and-Almonds-in-a-honey-ginger-dressing-From Jessica's Kitchen

Do you love cherries as much as we do?

If so, you are going to love this quinoa salad recipe. I added more cherries than one may think is acceptable but heck we love, love cherries. If cherries bid their farewell near you, try seedless grapes.

Yes, even the quinoa skeptics who think it’s just boring healthy food will love this because my friends there is nothing boring about this quinoa salad, which I owe all to the honey ginger dressing. After experimenting with just a small amount, I realized there needs to be a big jar of this in my fridge as a go-to salad dressing because, well, you’ll see when you try it.

This will make a quinoa lover out of you no time.

Gluten-free-dairy-free-vegan-Quinoa-Salad-with-Cherries-and-Almonds-in-a-honey-ginger-dressing-From Jessica's Kitchen

Forget about how much nutrient this thing has (okay, you know I can’t do that — protein, fiber, folate, magnesium, antioxidants, flavanoids, vitamin c and even melatonin (found in cherries!)) …

You should have seen my boys poking around in their bowls as if digging for treasure. What I love about recipes like this is how each ingredient highlights the other with flavor and texture. All was quiet at the table. Cue: make again and again. Yes to healthy, delicious and easy.

Lucky me (and you) it’s easy and versatile enough to go with the seasons. Love that.

Let me show you how easy this is …

Combine dressing ingredients in a mini food processor, an immersion blender or blender works well too if you’re not grating the ginger (got too lazy to grate ginger, too hot out). If you are grating, using a bowl and whisk will do just fine.

Gluten-free-dairy-free-vegan-Quinoa-Salad-with-Cherries-and-Almonds-in-a-honey-ginger-dressing-From Jessica's Kitchen

Then onto the salad ingredients. I toasted my almonds for extra flavor (completely optional but highly suggested for extra nutty flavor). Use any type of nuts desired. When my oldest is joining us for dinner or lunch I will add in hazelnuts or pine nuts instead.

Gluten-free-dairy-free-vegan-Quinoa-Salad-with-Cherries-and-Almonds-in-a-honey-ginger-dressing-From Jessica's Kitchen

Any type of fresh cherry is fine, no need to specifically look for “black cherries”. I prefer dark, sweet cherries. Red seedless grapes are another tasty option.

Gluten-free-dairy-free-vegan-Quinoa-Salad-with-Cherries-and-Almonds-in-a-honey-ginger-dressing-From Jessica's Kitchen

Resisting a few cherries was hard. So I didn’t (hehe).

Gluten-free-dairy-free-vegan-Quinoa-Salad-with-Cherries-and-Almonds-in-a-honey-ginger-dressing-From Jessica's KitchenAfter I chopped away I layered some of the ingredients before adding the quinoa (in another bowl because mixing is messy and not picture friendly) just to even things out. Not that it matters or makes any difference.

Gluten-free-dairy-free-vegan-Quinoa-Salad-with-Cherries-and-Almonds-in-a-honey-ginger-dressing-From Jessica's Kitchen

Dressing will settle by the time you get to this point so pulse it again then it’s time to crank up the quinoa.

Gluten-free-dairy-free-vegan-Quinoa-Salad-with-Cherries-and-Almonds-in-a-honey-ginger-dressing-From Jessica's Kitchen

As it soaks up all that honey ginger goodness.

Gluten-free-dairy-free-vegan-Quinoa-Salad-with-Cherries-and-Almonds-in-a-honey-ginger-dressing-From Jessica's Kitchen

Add remaining ingredients, toss and serve!

Gluten-free-dairy-free-vegan-Quinoa-Salad-with-Cherries-and-Almonds-in-a-honey-ginger-dressing-From Jessica's Kitchen

Gluten-free-dairy-free-vegan-Quinoa-Salad-with-Cherries-and-Almonds-in-a-honey-ginger-dressing-From Jessica's Kitchen

 

Easy Cherry Almond Quinoa Salad + Honey Ginger Dressing - gluten free, dairy free, egg free, soy free, vegan optional
 
Save Print
Prep time
10 mins
Cook time
20 mins
Total time
30 mins
 
A quick and easy one-bowl meal that will have you licking your lips. Your quinoa never had it so good as the honey ginger dressing highlights the nutty flavor of this protein-packed ancient grain paired with sweet cherries and almonds. Can be made ahead and makes a wonderful school or work lunch. Enjoy!
Jessica: Jessica
Recipe type: Main
Serves: 8-10 main course
Ingredients
  • Ingredients:
  • For the dressing:
  • ¼ cup raw honey (vegan option: agave nectar, or coconut nectar)
  • 1 2-inch piece of fresh ginger, peeled
  • 2 tablespoons GF sherry vinegar
  • 3 tablespoons lime juice (about 1 lime)
  • 2 small cloves of garlic
  • ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
  • pinch of salt and crushed black pepper
  • For the quinoa salad:
  • 2 cups quinoa (I used Trader Joe’s organic quinoa brand)
  • 4 cups water
  • 1 tablespoon kosher salt
  • 1-2 cups dark sweet cherries (I used 2 cups), pitted and halved
  • ½ cup sliced almonds (skinless) or other nut, desired, lightly toasted
  • 1 cup dried apricots, cut into thin slivers
  • ½ medium red onion, halved and thinly sliced
  • 1 butterhead lettuce (Boston or Bibb variety), torn into salad-sized pieces
Preparation
  1. Preparation:
  2. For the dressing, add all the ingredients into a mini food processor to blend well OR grate the ginger then add it into a bowl (or jar) with the remaining dressing ingredients and whisk well. Set aside.
  3. Note: This is a thinner dressing, so no need to slowly add the oil in to emulsify the dressing.
  4. In a medium saucepan, bring water to a boil then add 1 tablespoon kosher salt and quinoa; reduce heat to low and cover. Let it simmer 15-20 minutes or until liquid has absorbed (you will see air holes throughout). Remove from heat and, let stand for 10 minutes (still covered).
  5. Meanwhile, transfer the quinoa to a large bowl and fluff with a fork. Whisk or mix the dressing once more before pouring a few tablespoons over the quinoa (add the rest later).
  6. Toast the almonds in a small pan set over medium heat (do not oil the pan) for about 5 minutes or until light golden brown; add to the bowl. Then apricots, and red onion, and butterhead (also known as “butter lettuce” to the bowl. Toss to combine well; add more dressing and toss again.
  7. Note about strong onion flavor: If you are not a fan of raw onions in your salad try tossing the sliced onions into a bowl of ice water for 10 minutes or so. This will remove the strong onion flavor.
  8. If you prefer less dressing on your salad store any remaining dressing in the refrigerator for up to a week for another salad (goes with anything!). It will solidify a bit when refrigerated, leave out at room temperature for 30 minutes and whisk before using. Stores well, sealed in the refrigerator for 5 days. The cherries, however, will impart their reddish color to the quinoa when stored.
  9. Notes:
  10. I used butter (bibb) lettuce here but you can certainly use any lettuce variety. I also like arugula or mache. If you do use this dressing for grain-free salads such as arugula, mache, baby romaine, or baby kale it is better to make it the same day otherwise the dressing will wilt the greens the next day.
  11. If cherries are out of season, use frozen, well drained or seedless grapes, sliced.
  12. For freezing: I recommend transferring this to a large freezer-safe container with a tight lid. Storing in a freezer-safe zip loc bag may give off some freezer burn as I noticed the first time I froze it this way.
3.5.3208

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Filed Under: main dishes, salads-dressings Tagged With: dairy-free, gluten-free, light and easy recipes, main dishes, soy-free, vegan-optional

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Comments

  1. Robin says

    August 26, 2015 at 12:49 pm

    This looks like a big bowl of happiness! I've never had cherries in my quinoa -need to try this asap!
    Reply
    • Jessica says

      August 29, 2015 at 9:46 pm

      Thanks Robin! You must try this then because cherries in this quinoa salad is not to be missed...before they're gone. I hope you have some left by you! :)
      Reply
  2. Jill says

    August 26, 2015 at 1:23 pm

    What a great idea! I think my girls would enjoy this as a school lunch, it looks delicious!
    Reply
    • Jessica says

      August 29, 2015 at 9:43 pm

      Thanks Jill, it also packs well and can be eaten at room temperature-think they will love it!
      Reply
  3. Nancy Meadows says

    August 26, 2015 at 1:44 pm

    What a beautiful salad and healthy is always a perk. We are also nut free and can't wait to try this with pepitas. Great use of cherries, we have plenty here in Issaquah, Washington!
    Reply
    • Jessica says

      August 29, 2015 at 9:41 pm

      Thanks Nancy! Pepitas sounds like a delicious substitute. I'm jealous! I wish we still had an abundance of cherries, they're few and far between now. Enjoy!
      Reply
  4. Linda says

    August 26, 2015 at 1:54 pm

    Beautiful salad! (Although I don't even consider this a sald, if that's weird.) this is goodness. One question, however, can I make the dressibg in another utensil? Thank you!
    Reply
    • Jessica says

      August 29, 2015 at 9:39 pm

      Thanks Linda! Not weird at all many don't, and I guess since it's filled with a grain it's not technically a salad. Regarding the dressing...you can mix it all up in a bowl using grated ginger or a (hand held) immersion blender to break up the fresh ginger chunks for a smooth consistency. Mincing the ginger really fine also works well. Hope that helps...enjoy!
      Reply
  5. Irene says

    August 26, 2015 at 1:55 pm

    I couldn't agree more about kids going back to school! Mine go back Monday and I can't wait. I bet they would love this for lunch. My son's favorite fruit is grapes and think he may try this with grapes in it. I will have to make this for dinner soon :) Thanks for the easy recipes Jessica!
    Reply
    • Jessica says

      August 29, 2015 at 9:32 pm

      Haha! It makes a great lunch, I gave it to my boys for their first day...and goes very well with grapes, your son will not even notice the super healthy ingredients in there! :) Enjoy!
      Reply
  6. Helen says

    August 26, 2015 at 2:19 pm

    I just saw this on Pinterest and was wondering if I can use the dressing as a chicken marinade? Salad looks delicious!
    Reply
    • Jessica says

      August 29, 2015 at 9:24 pm

      Yes! The flavors would make a delicious marinade and am stealing your idea Helen ;) Great idea!
      Reply
  7. Brigette says

    August 26, 2015 at 2:55 pm

    I am in love with this salad! You have so many of my favorite ingredients in here:) How do I pit the cherries if I don't have a cherry pitter? I have a tiny brooklyn apartment, too little for "extras". Thanks Jessica!!
    Reply
    • Jessica says

      August 29, 2015 at 9:22 pm

      Thanks Brigette! Sorry for my very late reply...I went on google to look into how and found this... http://www.thekitchn.com/no-cherry-pitter-use-a-pastry-tip-tips-from-the-kitchn-88418 - they use a pastry tip. If you have those it seems to work, if not take a look on google I'm sure someone thought of something clever. Hope this helps! :)
      Reply
  8. Zoe says

    August 26, 2015 at 3:46 pm

    This sounds ah-mazing! I like how easy this is to put together and all the cherries. LOVE CHERRIES!
    Reply
    • Jessica says

      August 29, 2015 at 9:15 pm

      Thanks Zoe! As a cherry fan myself I can tell you this will not disappoint! :)
      Reply
  9. Mackenzie Stauskas says

    August 26, 2015 at 6:01 pm

    Love the butter lettuce! Just had a burger with butter lettuce and was thinking about how wonderful it was and here you make a salad with butter lettuce! This does seem so refreshing, especially since by 3pm I feel lethargic and wiped. I guess I need more water and salads like this! Will make this week, thank you, Jessica :D
    Reply
    • Jessica says

      August 29, 2015 at 9:10 pm

      Thanks Mackenzie!! Love, love butter lettuce too! Water to keep hydrated is so vital especially on hot days and salads; yes to easy (and nutritious) salads! This salad packs as a lunch really well, hopefully it will keep you energized :)
      Reply
  10. Laura says

    August 26, 2015 at 11:50 pm

    I can just taste all the flavors and now hungry for this quinoa bowl! So creative and colorful :)
    Reply
    • Jessica says

      August 29, 2015 at 8:56 pm

      Thanks Laura!!
      Reply
  11. Brooke C. says

    August 28, 2015 at 9:05 am

    I don't usually get excited about quinoa but this looks amazing and I can't wait to try it!
    Reply
    • Jessica says

      August 29, 2015 at 8:55 pm

      Ha! Thanks Brooke, I don't either unless it's all dressed up...enjoy!
      Reply
  12. Suzanne says

    August 29, 2015 at 9:58 am

    Love this! Thanks for sharing!
    Reply
    • Jessica says

      August 29, 2015 at 9:48 pm

      Thanks Suzanne! :)
      Reply
  13. Helena says

    October 8, 2015 at 1:21 pm

    I made this today using grapes instead of cherries and had to comment how delicious this was. I see what you mean about how good the dressing is on quinoa. I will be making this again and again. Thank you :)
    Reply
  14. Lisa says

    July 30, 2017 at 1:39 pm

    The dressing is so GOOD. I left out the dried apricots and even so it tasted delicious. Will be making this again and again, thanks!
    Reply
  15. Shelby says

    September 28, 2017 at 8:21 pm

    I am in love with this salad!! I have made it several times now changing up the cherries for apple or pear and finally got to say thank you!!
    Reply

Trackbacks

  1. Simple End of Summer Peach Arugula Salad – From Jessica's Kitchen says:
    September 16, 2015 at 7:19 am
    […] yeah. Shallots to balance out sweet peaches. Crazy kick ass good honey ginger dressing from this recipe (written out in the recipe below with one addition). yeah. And for some texture, heck let’s add […]
    Reply
  2. Salmon Terrine with Beet Horseradish aka my take on gefilte fish – From Jessica's Kitchen says:
    April 7, 2016 at 10:57 am
    […] This salmon terrine is my modern take on gefilte fish for Passover, and much better (and healthier!) than the kind I remember. It not only tastes like a very flavored, lighter poached salmon (funny enough, that my kid’s call “salmon meatloaf”) without being tough or rubbery like poached fish can be sometimes (also less sweet than gefilte fish). What makes the terrine so tender and foolproof is cooking it in a water bath (a process called bain-marie in French, meaning slow cooking) and tastes even better when made ahead. It also makes a lovely light lunch with a salad (think: butter lettuce with citrus and avocado drizzled with this honey ginger vinaigrette). […]
    Reply

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Welcome!

Hi! I'm Jessica, welcome to my blog! I'm a wife and mother of four (all boys, including twins. Did not see that coming!) who loves to eat. Discovering food intolerances in my family and myself had me think about cooking differently with an emphasis on nutrition, but not any less deliciously. No, won't settle for that, neither will my kids! Here you will find simple, healthy, seasonal recipes we love that are gluten, dairy, and soy free. Many are also egg free, nut free, plant-based and/or grain free, given our evolving dietary lifestyle. Even though we live a life of dietary restrictions, my passion for food keeps me on a constant quest to create tasty recipes or adapt our favorite recipes from my stack of cookbooks to bring back the joy of eating again, without sacrificing flavor. Hope you find some inspiration and recipes to enjoy ... thanks for stopping by!

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