I confess, I haven't always liked quinoa. Actually, strike that, I never knew if I liked it because I never wanted to even try it. I just knew I wouldn't. It was just one of those new, healthy things that all of the hip people were eating.

My daughter, Brittany, likes to eat healthy, and had started a Facebook page where people in her challenge group could post their favorite recipes. That's where my niece, Melanie, posted her favorite quinoa salad. Ok, ok, this one intrigued me. It has Craisins in it, and I love Craisins! That should make this quinoa edible, right? So, I made it! Y'all! I instantly became a quinoa convert. I mean, I'll even eat it alone...without Craisins!

I probably make this once a month, and I always double the recipe. I often leave out the feta. It's really simple and delicious. Give it a try, ok? If you've never tried quinoa before, give it a shot with this salad. I think you just might change your mind like I did.

You'll need:

1 cup cooked quinoa (chill after cooking)

1/2 cup pecans

1/2 cup chopped spinach

1/4 cup feta

1/2 cup Craisins

1/2 cup mandarin oranges, chopped

1/4 cup raspberry vinegarette

Instructions:

Mix. Chill. Serve. Enjoy!

I'm kind of obsessing over this salad bowl. What do you think? Should I buy it? Would be perfect for this salad. Let's do it! :-)

Cranberry-Spinach Quinoa Salad