Quinoa Apple Salad: A Fruity, Fresh & Flavor-Packed Favorite
Quinoa Apple Salad is a vibrant and nutritious dish that’s perfect for any occasion. This refreshing salad features chewy quinoa, crisp apples, and sweet dried cranberries, all tossed together in a delightful maple Dijon vinaigrette. Whether you’re planning a light lunch or seeking a colorful side dish for gatherings, this recipe is quick to prepare and packed with flavor. With its combination of textures and wholesome ingredients, it’s sure to please everyone at the table. Give it a try and enjoy the burst of fruity goodness!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 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 saucepan 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 is resting, whisk together olive oil, maple syrup, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, minced garlic, ground allspice, kosher salt, and black pepper in a small bowl until well combined.
- Add diced gala apple, celery cubes, chopped parsley, and candied walnuts to the fluffed quinoa.
- Pour the vinaigrette over the salad mixture.
- Toss everything until well combined.
- Serve immediately for a fresh taste or chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to enhance flavors.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (150g)
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 0mg