Description
Quinoa Apple Salad is a vibrant and nutritious dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Bursting with the sweetness of apples, tartness from cranberries, and the crunch of walnuts, this salad not only tastes amazing but also offers a wealth of health benefits. It comes together in just 20 minutes and can be enjoyed fresh or made ahead for meal prep. Ideal as a light lunch or an impressive side at dinner gatherings, this salad showcases the best of seasonal produce. With its colorful presentation and refreshing flavors, Quinoa Apple Salad is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 ½ cups vegetable broth
- ¾ cup tricolor quinoa
- ½ cup dried cranberries
- 1 gala apple, diced
- ¼ cup celery, diced
- 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 from heat.
- Let stand for 15 minutes. Fluff with a fork and transfer to a large salad bowl.
- While the quinoa rests, whisk together olive oil, maple syrup, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, minced garlic, allspice, salt, and pepper.
- Add diced apple, celery, parsley, and candied walnuts to the quinoa in the large bowl.
- Pour the prepared vinaigrette over the salad mixture.
- Toss until all ingredients are well combined.
- Serve immediately for a fresh taste or chill in the fridge for about 30 minutes to enhance flavors.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 43g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 0mg