Cranberry Apple Quinoa Salad Recipe
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.
- 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
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
Find it online: https://platedbyemma.com/cranberry-apple-quinoa-salad-recipe/
