Quinoa Cranberry Salad

Step 1

Rinse the quinoa well in a fine sieve then add it to a dry pan and gently toast it over medium heat for a couple of minutes, keeping it moving, until it starts to smell a little nutty. Once it does turn off the heat.

Step 2

Add the water, bring to a simmer, and cook uncovered for about 10 minutes until the water has mostly absorbed.

Step 3

Turn off the heat, cover tightly and leave to steam for at least 5 minutes but longer is fine. Allow to cool completely before fluffing with a fork and continuing with the recipe. If you are in a hurry to cool it, you can spread it out in a thin layer on a cool plate or baking sheet.

Step 4

Rinse the quinoa in a sieve then tip the wet quinoa into the insert of your Instant Pot. Saute over medium heat for a few minutes, stirring frequently until it starts to smell nutty. Once it does turn the Instant Pot off.

Step 5

Add 1 cup of water to the quinoa, stir, then put the lid on and seal the vent. Set to 2 minutes high pressure and leave the pressure to naturally release. Remove the lid, allow to cool and fluff with a fork before using.

Step 6

Shred the spinach and stir it through the cooled quinoa. Add the cranberries and stir them through too.

Step 7

Zest the lemons and add it to a small jar or bowl. Juice the lemons and add the juice to the jar/bowl with the zest. Add the maple syrup, optional olive oil, salt and pepper. Put the lid on and shake it or whisk it together.

Step 8

Pour over the quinoa mixture and toss well to coat. Taste and add more salt and pepper if needed.