Cranberry Quinoa Salad with Homemade Candied Walnuts

This Cranberry Quinoa Salad with Homemade Candied Walnuts is a delightful and healthy dish that combines the earthy flavors of quinoa with the sweetness of dried cranberries and the crunch of candied walnuts. It's a perfect side dish or light meal for any occasion.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup quinoa
• 2 cups water
• 1/2 cup dried cranberries
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
• 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
• 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup walnuts
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar

Instructions:

Rinse quinoa thoroughly under cold water

In a saucepan, bring 2 cups of water to a boil, add quinoa, reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes or until quinoa is cooked and water is absorbed

Remove from heat and let it cool

In a small bowl, mix olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper to make the dressing

In a separate pan, melt the sugar over low heat until it caramelizes

Add walnuts and coat them in the caramelized sugar

Spread candied walnuts on parchment paper to cool and harden

In a large bowl, combine cooked quinoa, dried cranberries, chopped parsley, chopped red onion, and crumbled feta cheese

Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss to coat

Break the candied walnuts into smaller pieces and sprinkle them over the salad

Serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to serve