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Healthy Crunchy Quinoa Salad (with Pistachios)
5 from 15 votes

Healthy Crunchy Quinoa Salad (with Pistachios)

This quinoa salad features nutty toasted pistachios, dried cherries, and crumbled feta cheese mixed with fluffy quinoa and fresh basil. A kefir-based dressing with honey and balsamic vinegar adds a creamy tang and subtle sweetness. The combination of crunchy nuts, creamy cheese, and juicy dried fruit offers a variety of textures and flavors, making it a refreshing salad option that can serve as a side or light meal.

Prep Time
15 mins
Cook Time
15 mins
Total Time
30 mins
Servings: 4 to 8
Calories: 354 kcal
Course: Side Dish, Salad
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

For the Salad:
  • 2 cups water
  • 1 cup quinoa uncooked
  • 1/3 cup pistachio shelled
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 3/4 cup dried cherries roughly chopped, reduced-sugar
  • 1 cup feta cheese crumbled, reduced-fat
  • 6 tablespoons basil chopped, fresh
For the Dressing:
  • 1/2 cup Kefir plain
  • 4 teaspoons honey
  • 4 teaspoons balsamic vinegar

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. Bring the water to a boil in a large pot. Once boiling, stir in the quinoa. Cover, reduce the heat to low, and cook until the moisture is absorbed (about 15 minutes). Once cooked, transfer the quinoa to a large bowl and place it into the refrigerator.
  2. While the quinoa cooks, preheat your oven to 400°F and line a small baking sheet with parchment paper. Toast the pistachios in the oven until lightly golden brown, about 10-12 minutes. Set aside.
  3. Once the quinoa has cooled, stir in the salt, chopped cherries, crumbled feta cheese, and chopped basil.
  4. Roughly chop the toasted pistachios and add them to the salad. Stir until everything is well mixed.
  5. To make the dressing, stir the kefir and honey together in a medium, microwave- safe bowl. Microwave the mixture until the honey is melted and easily mixes into the kefir, about 30 seconds.
  6. Stir in the balsamic vinegar.
  7. Pour the dressing over the salad, mix well, and devour!

Nutrition Information

Calories 354kcal (18%) Carbohydrates 55g (18%) Protein 17g (34%) Fat 8g (12%) Saturated Fat 4g (20%) Polyunsaturated Fat 1g (6%) Monounsaturated Fat 1g (5%) Cholesterol 24mg (8%) Sodium 654mg (27%) Potassium 254mg (5%) Fiber 5g (20%) Sugar 21g (42%) Vitamin A 954IU (19%) Vitamin C 0.3mg (0%) Calcium 86mg (9%) Iron 2mg (11%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 4 to 8

Amount Per Serving

Calories 354

% Daily Value*

Calories 354kcal 18%
Carbohydrates 55g 18%
Protein 17g 34%
Fat 8g 12%
Saturated Fat 4g 20%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1g 6%
Monounsaturated Fat 1g 5%
Cholesterol 24mg 8%
Sodium 654mg 27%
Potassium 254mg 5%
Fiber 5g 20%
Sugar 21g 42%
Vitamin A 954IU 19%
Vitamin C 0.3mg 0%
Calcium 86mg 9%
Iron 2mg 11%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.