Go Back
+ servings
Quinoa Apple Salad

Quinoa Apple Salad: Sweet, Savory, and Packed with Flavor

Delightful Quinoa Apple Salad is a vibrant mix of crunchy apples, chewy cranberries, and fluffy quinoa, perfect for any occasion.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Chilling Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Salads
Cuisine: Gluten-Free, Vegetarian
Calories: 250

Ingredients
  

For the Salad
  • 1 cup Quinoa Any kind of quinoa can be used
  • 2 cups Vegetable broth
  • 2 medium Apples (Gala, Honeycrisp, Fuji) Granny Smith for tartness
  • 1/2 cup Cranberries Can replace with dried cherries, apricots, or raisins
  • 1/2 cup Candied walnuts Toasted pecans, almonds, or skip for nut-free
  • 1/2 cup Chopped fresh parsley Chop just before adding to maintain flavor
For the Vinaigrette
  • 1/4 cup Olive oil Use high-quality for best flavor
  • 2 tablespoons Maple syrup
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 2 tablespoons Apple cider vinegar
  • 1 clove Garlic Minced
  • 1 pinch Allspice Salt and pepper to taste

Equipment

  • medium saucepan
  • Fine mesh strainer
  • large mixing bowl
  • Small bowl for vinaigrette

Method
 

Instructions
  1. Rinse the quinoa under cold running water in a fine mesh strainer. In a medium saucepan, combine with vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and cook for about 15 minutes.
  2. Remove from heat, stir in dried cranberries, cover, and let sit for an additional 5 minutes. Fluff quinoa gently with a fork.
  3. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, maple syrup, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, minced garlic, pinch of allspice, salt, and pepper.
  4. In a large bowl, combine fluffed quinoa with diced apples, chopped parsley, sliced celery, and candied walnuts. Toss gently.
  5. Drizzle prepared vinaigrette over the salad and toss gently until well-coated.
  6. Serve immediately or chill in the fridge for about 30 minutes to enhance flavor.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 250kcalCarbohydrates: 36gProtein: 7gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 7gSodium: 200mgPotassium: 300mgFiber: 5gSugar: 10gVitamin A: 50IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 50mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Rinse quinoa thoroughly to remove bitterness. Avoid overcooking for best texture. Toss apples with lemon juice to prevent browning if prepping in advance.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!