Description
A vibrant and nutritious salad combining quinoa, tart cranberries, and crisp apples, perfect for gatherings and healthy eating.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup quinoa
- 2 cups water
- 1 cup dried cranberries
- 1 cup apples (chopped)
- ½ cup chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans)
- ¼ cup fresh parsley or mint (chopped)
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1–2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Rinse quinoa under cold water. In a saucepan, combine quinoa with water and a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes until water is absorbed. Fluff and set aside to cool.
- Chop apples into bite-sized pieces and toss with lemon juice in a large mixing bowl.
- Add cranberries and chopped nuts to the apples. If using fresh herbs, add them now.
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey or maple syrup, salt, and pepper.
- Once quinoa has cooled, add it to the mixing bowl with apples, cranberries, nuts, and herbs. Drizzle in the dressing and toss gently.
- Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving for best flavor. Serve cold or at room temperature.
Notes
For different textures, substitute quinoa with farro or barley. Toasting quinoa before cooking enhances its nutty flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 10mg
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: quinoa salad, cranberry apple salad, healthy salad, gluten-free recipes, fall recipes