Easy & fast cranberry-walnut quinoa salad (EXCLUSIVE RECIPE)

Here's a healthy, very easy family-friendly recipe that can be assembled fast, perfect for all the mamás out there who just can't seem to find the time to cook like a pro, courtesy of a professional chef!

Chef Cindi Avila has starred in a few Food Network series, including Chopped and Dinner Takes All. She owns her own PR agency, Green Goddess Public Relations, and is the PR director for the Institute of Culinary Education in New York. She's also a dedicated mommy of a 2 and a half-year-old and is 7 months pregnant with her second baby girl. So the woman knows a thing or two about being busy–and, of course, about easy-to-prep dishes. Avila shared with us one of her favorite recipes, below. Enjoy!

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Cranberry-walnut quinoa

Ingredients:

1 cup quinoa

1/2 cup dried cranberries

1/2 cup chopped walnuts

1 bunch of scallions (chopped)

1/4 cup rice wine vinegar

1/4 cup olive oil

1/4 cup agave nectar

Salt to taste

Prepare quinoa according to package. Move to large bowl and allow to cool. Add all ingredients and mix.

Makes 8 to 10 side portions

Tip from the Chef: "Don't overthink things, use ingredients you like and experiment on the fly. Do that and things move along quickly. As a long-time vegetarian, I also try to come up with recipes that are balanced with protein, fiber and all the other necessities." 

Image via Cindi Avila