Cranberry Apple Quinoa Salad Recipe

Introduction

This Cranberry Apple Quinoa Salad is a refreshing and flavorful dish that combines the nutty taste of quinoa with crisp apples and tangy dried cranberries. It’s a perfect light lunch or a vibrant side that brings a burst of textures and colors to your plate.

Ingredients

• 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
• 2 cups water
• 1 large apple, diced
• 1/2 cup dried cranberries
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 1/4 cup sliced almonds (optional)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a medium saucepan, bring the rinsed quinoa and water to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 15 minutes or until the quinoa is tender and the water is absorbed. Remove from heat and let it cool.
2. Step 2: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until well combined to prepare the dressing.
3. Step 3: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked quinoa, diced apple, dried cranberries, chopped parsley, and sliced almonds if using.
4. Step 4: Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine all ingredients evenly.
5. Step 5: Refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

Tips & Variations

• For a nut-free version, omit the almonds or substitute them with sunflower seeds for a similar crunch.
• Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to the dressing for an extra zesty flavor.
• Try adding chopped celery or cucumber for additional texture and freshness.
• Use honey alternatives like maple syrup or agave nectar to make it vegan-friendly.

Storage

Store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Before serving, give it a good stir and add a splash of olive oil or vinegar if it seems dry. This salad can be enjoyed cold or at room temperature, making it a great make-ahead option.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other grains instead of quinoa?

Yes, you can substitute quinoa with couscous, bulgur, or barley. Just adjust the cooking time according to the grain you choose.

How do I keep the apple from browning in the salad?

Toss the diced apple in a little lemon juice before adding it to the salad. This helps slow down the browning and keeps the apple looking fresh.

Cranberry Apple Quinoa Salad Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.6 from 63 reviews

Cranberry Apple Quinoa Salad is a refreshing and nutritious dish combining fluffy quinoa, sweet apples, tart dried cranberries, and crunchy almonds, all tossed in a tangy honey-Dijon dressing. This vibrant salad is perfect for a light lunch or a healthy side, offering a delightful burst of flavors and textures.

• Author: Emma
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Salad
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Salad Ingredients

• 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
• 2 cups water
• 1 large apple, diced
• 1/2 cup dried cranberries
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 1/4 cup sliced almonds (optional)

Dressing Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Cook the Quinoa: In a medium saucepan, bring the rinsed quinoa and water to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pan, and let it simmer for about 15 minutes or until the quinoa is tender and the water has been fully absorbed. Remove the saucepan from heat and allow the quinoa to cool.
2. Prepare the Dressing: While the quinoa cools, whisk together olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper in a small bowl until the mixture is well combined and smooth.
3. Combine the Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the cooled quinoa, diced apple, dried cranberries, chopped parsley, and sliced almonds if using. Pour the prepared dressing over the salad and toss everything gently to ensure all ingredients are evenly coated.
4. Chill and Serve: Place the salad in the refrigerator and chill for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld beautifully. This salad can be served chilled or at room temperature according to your preference.

Notes

• You can substitute the apple with pears or other crunchy fruits based on your preference.
• For a nut-free version, simply omit the sliced almonds.
• Adjust the honey in the dressing to taste for more or less sweetness.
• This salad stores well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, making it perfect for meal prep.
• Serving the salad chilled enhances the refreshing quality but it’s also delicious at room temperature.

Keywords: quinoa salad, cranberry apple salad, healthy salad, vegetarian recipe, quinoa dish, summer salad, easy salad recipe