Quinoa Apple Salad: A Fruity, Fresh & Flavor-Packed Favorite
Quinoa Apple Salad: A Fruity, Fresh & Flavor-Packed Favorite is a vibrant dish that combines the nutty goodness of quinoa with crisp apples, sweet cranberries, and crunchy walnuts. Drizzled with a delightful maple Dijon vinaigrette, this salad is not only visually appealing but also packed with nutrients. Perfect for lunch, meal prep, or as a colorful side at gatherings, its quick preparation time makes it an ideal choice for anyone seeking a healthy yet flavorful option. Enjoy this refreshing salad as a standalone meal or complement it with grilled chicken for added protein.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Salad
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 ½ cups vegetable broth
- ¾ cup tricolor quinoa, rinsed
- ½ cup dried cranberries
- 1 gala apple, diced into ¼-inch cubes
- ¼ cup celery, diced into ¼-inch cubes
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
- ¼ cup candied walnuts
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- ¼ teaspoon ground allspice
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan, bring vegetable broth and rinsed quinoa to a boil.
- Stir in dried cranberries.
- Cover the pot and remove it from heat. Let it stand for 15 minutes.
- Fluff the quinoa with a fork and transfer it to a large salad bowl.
- While the quinoa rests, whisk together: extra virgin olive oil, maple syrup, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, minced garlic, ground allspice, kosher salt, and black pepper.
- Add diced apple, celery, parsley, and candied walnuts to the fluffed quinoa.
- Pour the vinaigrette over the salad ingredients.
- Toss gently until everything is well coated.
- You can serve immediately or chill for 30 minutes to enhance flavors.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (150g)
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 0mg