Name: Delicious Quinoa Apple Salad Ready in Just 20 Minutes
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Ingredients: 1 cup quinoa (rinsed); 2 cups vegetable broth; 1/2 cup dried cranberries (or dried cherries); 2 medium Gala apples (diced); 1/4 cup fresh parsley (chopped); 1/4 cup candied walnuts (or toasted nuts); 1/4 cup celery (chopped); 1/4 cup olive oil (extra virgin); 2 tablespoons maple syrup (or honey); 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard; 3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar; 1 clove garlic (minced); 1 pinch allspice; salt (to taste); pepper (to taste)

Amidst the whirlwind of life, there’s something wonderfully grounding about crafting a meal from scratch—one that nourishes not just our bodies, but also our souls. My Quinoa Apple Salad is a true celebration of fresh flavors and vibrant colors, and it offers you that comforting homemade experience in just 20 minutes! This delightful dish combines fluffy quinoa, crisp apples, and chewy cranberries, all drizzled with a sweet-and-tangy maple Dijon vinaigrette. Not only is it gluten-free and vegetarian, but it also makes a perfect meal prep staple or a stunning side for your next gathering. The unique combination of textures and flavors will have everyone reaching for seconds. Ready to discover how simple it is to revolutionize your salad game? Let’s dive into this scrumptious recipe together!

Why Is This Salad So Special?

Vibrant flavors: This Quinoa Apple Salad is a celebration of freshness, bringing together sweet apples, tangy cranberries, and nutty quinoa in every bite.

Quick preparation: In just 20 minutes, you can whip up this stunning dish, making it an excellent choice for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.

Customizable options: Whether you need a nut-free version or want to incorporate seasonal ingredients like roasted butternut squash, the versatility is endless!

Meal prep dream: This salad stores beautifully in the fridge, making it an ideal choice for meal prep enthusiasts looking for healthy, ready-to-eat options throughout the week.

Crowd-pleaser: Perfect as a side dish or a light lunch, it guarantees to impress family and friends at any gathering. If you’re looking for more tasty, easy recipes, try my Apple Cranberry Carrot or Greek Potato Salad for delightful inspiration!

Quinoa Apple Salad Ingredients

• Here’s everything you need to create this delightful dish!

For the Salad

Quinoa – Provides a nutty flavor and is the main ingredient; ensure you rinse it before cooking to remove any bitterness.
Apples – Adds sweetness and crunch; Gala apples are recommended for their sweetness, but feel free to swap with Honeycrisp or Fuji for a twist.
Cranberries – Contribute tanginess and sweetness; dried cherries can be used as a perfect substitute.
Candied Walnuts – Adds sweetness and crunch; you can switch these out for plain toasted nuts, or simply leave them out for a nut-free version.
Fresh Parsley – Offers a fresh herbaceous lift; mint can be a delightful alternative if you want a different flavor.

For the Vinaigrette

Maple Syrup – Sweetens the vinaigrette; honey or agave syrup can also do the trick if you prefer.
Dijon Mustard – Adds a bold flavor to the dressing; in a pinch, yellow mustard works too.
Apple Cider Vinegar – Provides tang; it’s essential for balancing the vinaigrette.
Olive Oil – Drives the creaminess of the dressing; high-quality extra virgin olive oil is a great choice.
Garlic – Adds depth to the vinaigrette; opt for fresh minced garlic for the best flavor.
Allspice – Enhances the complexity of the dressing; cinnamon or nutmeg can be used for a cozy twist.
Salt and Pepper – Essential seasonings for the vinaigrette to enhance its flavor; remember to adjust to taste.

This Quinoa Apple Salad is not only easy to prepare but also promises to be a delightful experience for your taste buds! Enjoy!

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Quinoa Apple Salad

Step 1: Cook Quinoa
Rinse 1 cup of quinoa under cold water to remove its natural bitterness. In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed quinoa with 2 cups of vegetable broth and bring it to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, stir in 1/2 cup of cranberries, cover the saucepan, and remove it from heat after 15 minutes. Let it sit for 5 minutes, then fluff the quinoa with a fork.

Step 2: Prepare Vinaigrette
In a small bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup of olive oil, 2 tablespoons of maple syrup, 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard, and 3 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar. Add 1 minced garlic clove, a pinch of allspice, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Continue whisking until the vinaigrette is well emulsified and creamy, making sure to taste and adjust flavors if necessary.

Step 3: Combine Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, add the fluffed quinoa, along with 2 diced Gala apples, 1/4 cup of chopped celery, 1/4 cup of fresh parsley, and 1/2 cup of candied walnuts (or your nut of choice). Pour the prepared maple Dijon vinaigrette over the salad and gently toss all the ingredients together until everything is evenly coated.

Step 4: Serve
You can enjoy the Quinoa Apple Salad immediately for a fresh taste, or for a more developed flavor, chill it in the refrigerator for 30 minutes. This salad is best served cold or at room temperature, making it perfect for meal prep or as a delightful side dish for gatherings.

Storage Tips for Quinoa Apple Salad

Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. This Quinoa Apple Salad is best enjoyed cold or at room temperature for refreshing flavor.

Separate Components: If preparing in advance, keep the apples and walnuts separate until serving to maintain crunch and freshness.

Make-Ahead Vinaigrette: You can prepare the vinaigrette up to 3 days in advance. Just give it a good whisk before drizzling over the salad.

Freezer: While it’s not recommended to freeze the salad fully, you can freeze uncooked quinoa for up to 6 months, then prepare the salad fresh when you’re ready!

Quinoa Apple Salad Variations

Feel free to take your Quinoa Apple Salad on a delightful journey by customizing it with these scrumptious variations!

Nut-Free Twist: Substitute nuts with sunflower seeds or toasted pumpkin seeds for a delightful crunch that suits nut allergies.
Vegan Delight: Opt for dairy-free candied walnuts or just use regular toasted walnuts for a vegan-friendly salad that’s still packed with flavor.
Seasonal Surprise: For a cozy fall twist, incorporate roasted butternut squash or sweet potato. In winter, sprinkle pomegranate seeds for an added pop of color and sweetness!
Protein Boost: Mix in grilled chicken, chickpeas, or roasted sweet potatoes to transform your salad into a more filling meal that’s hearty and satisfying.
Herb Infusion: Swap fresh parsley with mint or basil for a refreshing twist that brings a whole new depth of flavor to your salad.
Fruit Fusion: Get fruity with your additions! Try diced pears or sliced strawberries to add an unexpected sweetness that pairs beautifully with the apples.
Flavorful Heat: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or drizzle a little sriracha in the vinaigrette to introduce a tantalizing kick of heat!
Flavor Blast: Boost the vinaigrette by adding citrus zest, such as lemon or orange, for a bright flavor that dances on your palate.

With these variations, you can craft a Quinoa Apple Salad that truly reflects your taste preferences! If you’re looking for additional salad inspiration, try my refreshing Apple Cranberry Carrot or consider a delightful spin on the classic with Greek Potato Salad. Enjoy your culinary adventure!

What to Serve with Vibrant Quinoa Apple Salad?

This vibrant dish is the perfect centerpiece for a delightful meal, offering a symphony of colors and flavors to complement any occasion.

Grilled Chicken: Tender, seasoned chicken adds a savory element that balances the salad’s sweetness beautifully.
Roasted Salmon: The rich, fatty flavors of salmon provide a delicious contrast, making for a satisfying pairing that feels gourmet.
Creamy Avocado Toast: The buttery texture of avocado toast enhances the salad’s crunch, creating a delightful textural harmony.
Fresh Herb Frittata: A light, fluffy frittata filled with herbs mirrors the freshness of the salad, bringing together harmonious flavors.
Crispy Tofu: Adding protein-rich, crispy tofu makes for a satisfying vegetarian main dish that aligns perfectly with the quinoa’s wholesome goodness.
Whole Wheat Pita Chips: For a crunchy side, serve with pita chips. They provide a delightful crunch that makes every bite of salad even more enjoyable.
Sparkling Lemonade: This refreshing drink offers a light, citrusy zing that complements the sweet maple vinaigrette perfectly.
Berry Parfait: For dessert, a light berry parfait adds sweetness and antioxidants, completing your meal with vibrant fruits that echo the salad’s freshness.

Make Ahead Options

Preparing this vibrant Quinoa Apple Salad in advance is a game-changer for busy weeknights! You can cook the quinoa and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To keep the apples from browning, chop them fresh just before serving, or toss them in lemon juice. Additionally, you can whip up the maple Dijon vinaigrette up to 3 days ahead and refrigerate it in a sealed container for maximum flavor retention. When you’re ready to enjoy your salad, simply combine the prepped quinoa and vinaigrette, toss in the fresh apples and candied walnuts, and you’ll have a refreshing, delicious meal ready in no time!

Helpful Tricks for Quinoa Apple Salad

Rinse Quinoa: Always rinse your quinoa thoroughly before cooking to remove the natural coating called saponin, which can create a bitter flavor.
Choose the Right Apples: For optimal sweetness and crunch, stick to Gala apples. If you prefer a tart twist, try Granny Smith.
Avoid Overcooking: Keep an eye on your quinoa—remove it from heat as soon as it’s boiled to maintain its fluffiness and texture.
Prep in Advance: For meal prep, consider storing the salad components separately, especially apples and walnuts, to keep everything fresh and crunchy.
Adjust Ingredients: Feel free to swap out cranberries for dried cherries for a delightful change. This keeps your Quinoa Apple Salad exciting and adaptable!

Quinoa Apple Salad Recipe FAQs

What apples are best for this salad?
Absolutely! Gala apples are my personal favorite for their sweetness and crunch, but you can also use Honeycrisp or Fuji if you want a slightly different flavor profile. Granny Smith apples offer a nice tartness that balances the sweetness of the cranberries.

How should I store leftovers?
To keep your Quinoa Apple Salad fresh, store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For optimal taste and texture, it’s best enjoyed cold or at room temperature. If you’re preparing in advance, I recommend keeping the apples and walnuts separate until serving to preserve their crunchiness.

Can I freeze the Quinoa Apple Salad?
While it’s not ideal to freeze the finished salad, you can freeze uncooked quinoa for up to 6 months. Once you’re ready, cook it fresh and assemble your salad. This ensures the best flavor and texture when you enjoy your delicious meal!

What if my quinoa turns out mushy?
Very! If your quinoa comes out mushy, it might have been overcooked or cooked with too much liquid. Always use a 2:1 ratio of liquid to quinoa and remove it from heat as soon as it comes to a boil—let it sit covered for 5 minutes afterward. For a fluffier texture, fluff it gently with a fork before serving.

Are there any dietary considerations for this salad?
Yes, indeed! This Quinoa Apple Salad is not only gluten-free but can also easily be made vegan by ensuring that the candied walnuts are dairy-free. Plus, if you need a nut-free option, simply substitute the walnuts with seeds like sunflower or pumpkin seeds.

How can I customize the salad for different seasons?
The more the merrier! For a unique seasonal twist, consider adding roasted butternut squash or sweet potatoes in the fall. In winter, you might add pomegranate seeds for a burst of color and flavor. You can also incorporate grilled chicken or chickpeas for added protein—a delicious and nutritious change!