Cinnamon-Spiced Quinoa and Walnut Salad

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A nutrient-rich quinoa salad with warming cinnamon and crunchy walnuts, perfect for balanced energy and blood sugar support. This Mediterranean-inspired salad recipe (vegetarian, gluten free), ready in about 25 minutes, pairs quinoa, water, cinnamon powder into a side that holds its own next to almost any main — bright, balanced, and quick enough to slot into a weeknight plate. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly next to roasted proteins, grain bowls, or weeknight mains. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a medium saucepan, combine 1 cup rinsed quinoa and 2 cups water. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes until water is absorbed and quinoa is fluffy.
  2. Step 2: Remove from heat and stir in 1 tsp cinnamon powder, fluffing the quinoa gently with a fork. Let it cool to room temperature.
  3. Step 3: In a large bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp olive oil, 2 tbsp lemon juice, 1 tsp honey, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper until emulsified.
  4. Step 4: Add the cooled quinoa, 1/2 cup chopped walnuts, 1/4 cup dried cranberries, and 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley to the dressing. Toss thoroughly to combine all ingredients evenly.
  5. Step 5: Chill the salad for 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld before serving as a refreshing, wholesome side or light main.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Cinnamon-Spiced Quinoa and Walnut Salad take to make?

Total time is about 25 minutes (10 min prep + 15 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Cinnamon-Spiced Quinoa and Walnut Salad?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep quinoa from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Cinnamon-Spiced Quinoa and Walnut Salad?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Cinnamon-Spiced Quinoa and Walnut Salad for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

Is Cinnamon-Spiced Quinoa and Walnut Salad vegetarian?

Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian, gluten free based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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