Quinoa Apple Salad: A Fruity, Fresh & Flavor-Packed Favorite
Quinoa Apple Salad: A Fruity, Fresh & Flavor-Packed Favorite is a vibrant and nutritious dish that brings together the sweet crunch of apples, the hearty texture of quinoa, and the delightful tang of a homemade vinaigrette. This colorful salad is perfect for any occasion, whether as a light lunch or an impressive side dish at gatherings. With its gluten-free and vegetarian qualities, it caters to various dietary preferences while ensuring everyone enjoys a flavor-packed experience. Easy to prepare in just 20 minutes, this salad is not only delicious but also versatile for meal prep.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Salad
- Method: Boiling
- 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 to a boil and add rinsed quinoa. Stir in cranberries, cover, and let stand for 15 minutes. Fluff quinoa with a fork and transfer to a large bowl.
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, maple syrup, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, minced garlic, allspice, salt, and pepper until combined.
- Add diced apple, celery, parsley, and walnuts to the quinoa bowl. Pour vinaigrette over the mixture and toss until well combined.
- Serve immediately or chill for about 30 minutes to enhance flavors.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (210g)
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 0mg