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Quinoa Apple Salad

Quinoa Apple Salad: A Refreshing Twist on Healthy Eating

Quinoa Apple Salad is a nutritious, gluten-free dish packed with plant-based protein, featuring quinoa, apples, and cranberries, drizzled with a sweet maple Dijon vinaigrette.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Resting Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Salad
Cuisine: American
Calories: 280
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Salad
  • 1 cup quinoa use any variety, tricolor adds color
  • 2 medium apples diced, Gala or Honeycrisp recommended
  • ½ cup cranberries dried, can substitute with cherries or apricots
  • ½ cup candied walnuts optional, can substitute with toasted pecans
  • ¼ cup fresh parsley chopped, can use mint or basil for variation
For the Vinaigrette
  • ¼ cup maple syrup natural sweetener, honey can be used if not vegan
  • 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard adds tanginess; yellow mustard as alternative
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar provides acidity; can use white or balsamic vinegar
  • 1 clove garlic minced; adjust according to taste
  • a pinch allspice use sparingly

Equipment

  • medium saucepan
  • small bowl
  • Large salad bowl
  • whisk

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Rinse 1 cup of quinoa under cold water. In a medium saucepan, bring 2 cups of vegetable broth to a boil, then stir in the quinoa and ½ cup of cranberries. Cover and reduce heat, let sit for 15 minutes.
  2. Whisk together ¼ cup of olive oil, 2 tablespoons of maple syrup, 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard, and 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar in a small bowl. Add minced garlic and allspice, along with salt and pepper to taste.
  3. Fluff the quinoa and cranberries mixture, then transfer to a large salad bowl. Add 2 diced apples, ½ cup of chopped celery, and chopped parsley. Sprinkle with candied walnuts if using.
  4. Drizzle the vinaigrette over the salad, toss gently to combine, and adjust seasoning to taste. Serve immediately or refrigerate for about 30 minutes for flavors to meld.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 280kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 8gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gSodium: 150mgPotassium: 350mgFiber: 5gSugar: 10gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 40mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Rinse quinoa before cooking and taste for seasoning after mixing for best results.

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