Cancer-Fighting Warm Quinoa Salad

This Warm Quinoa Salad with Cranberries and Pomegranate is a festive, nutrient-dense dish that’s not only a delight to the taste buds but also a powerful ally for hormonal health and cancer prevention. The vibrant combination of sweet-tart cranberries, juicy pomegranate seeds, and nutrient-packed quinoa creates a beautiful and nourishing meal perfect for winter.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
• 2 cups vegetable broth or water
• 2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
• ½ cup dried cranberries (unsweetened if possible)
• ½ cup fresh pomegranate seeds
• ⅓ cup pecans, toasted and chopped
• 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
• 1 tbsp olive oil

For the Orange Vinaigrette:

• ¼ cup freshly squeezed orange juice
• Zest of 1 orange
• 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 1 tbsp maple syrup
• ⅓ cup olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Cook the quinoa: In a medium saucepan, bring the vegetable broth to a boil. Add the quinoa, reduce to a simmer, and cook for about 15 minutes until the liquid is absorbed. Fluff with a fork and set aside.
2. Sauté the spinach and onions: In a skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the red onion and cook until softened, about 3 minutes. Stir in the spinach and cook until just wilted.
3. Toast the pecans: In a dry skillet, toast the pecans over low heat for 2-3 minutes until fragrant. Be careful not to burn them!
4. Make the vinaigrette: In a small bowl, whisk together orange juice, zest, apple cider vinegar, maple syrup, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
5. Assemble the salad: In a large bowl, combine the cooked quinoa, sautéed spinach and onions, cranberries, pomegranate seeds, and pecans. Drizzle with the vinaigrette and toss gently to combine. Serve warm for a cozy meal or at room temperature for a festive table addition.

Health Benefits:

• Quinoa: A complete protein supporting hormone production and gut health for estrogen metabolism.
• Cranberries: Antioxidants reduce cancer risk, oxidative stress, and inflammation while aiding hormone detox.
• Pomegranate Seeds: Packed with ellagic acid and phytoestrogens, they lower hormone-related cancer risks and inflammation.
• Spinach: High in magnesium, iron, and folate, it boosts energy, hormone synthesis, and reduces carcinogen absorption.
• Pecans: Rich in zinc and healthy fats, they balance progesterone and have anticancer properties.

Olive Oil & Orange Juice: Antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds support hormone health, immunity, and skin vitality.