Quinoa Apple Salad Recipe
Introduction
This Quinoa Apple Salad is a refreshing and nutritious dish perfect for a light lunch or a side. Combining the nutty flavor of quinoa with crisp apples and a tangy vinaigrette, it’s easy to prepare and delicious to eat.
Ingredients
- 1 cup cooked quinoa
- 2 medium apples, chopped
- ½ cup mixed nuts, chopped
- ¼ cup dried fruit (such as cranberries or raisins)
- 3 tablespoons vinaigrette dressing
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large bowl, combine the cooked quinoa, chopped apples, mixed nuts, and dried fruit.
- Step 2: Drizzle the vinaigrette over the salad and toss gently to mix all ingredients evenly.
- Step 3: Cover the bowl and chill the salad in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
Tips & Variations
- Try adding fresh herbs like parsley or mint for extra brightness.
- Substitute the vinaigrette with a honey mustard dressing for a sweeter taste.
- Use walnuts or pecans as a nut alternative to change the texture.
- For a vegan option, ensure your vinaigrette is free from honey or dairy ingredients.
Storage
Store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Give it a quick stir before serving, and if needed, add a little extra vinaigrette to refresh the flavors after chilling.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I prepare this salad in advance?
Yes, preparing the salad a few hours ahead or even the day before helps the flavors combine well. Just keep it refrigerated until ready to serve.
What type of apples work best in this salad?
Choose crisp, slightly tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp to add a refreshing crunch and balance the sweetness of the dried fruit.
PrintQuinoa Apple Salad Recipe
A refreshing and nutritious Quinoa Apple Salad combining fluffy cooked quinoa, crisp apples, crunchy nuts, and sweet dried fruit, all tossed in a light vinaigrette. Perfect as a light lunch or side dish, this salad offers a delightful balance of flavors and textures with minimal preparation.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes (for cooking quinoa)
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Salad Ingredients
- 1 cup cooked quinoa
- 1 large apple, cored and chopped
- 1/4 cup mixed nuts (such as walnuts and pecans), roughly chopped
- 1/4 cup dried fruit (such as cranberries or raisins)
Vinaigrette
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the quinoa: If not already cooked, rinse 1/3 cup dry quinoa under cold water and cook according to package instructions to yield about 1 cup cooked quinoa. Allow it to cool completely.
- Mix the salad ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the cooled cooked quinoa, chopped apples, mixed nuts, and dried fruit.
- Make the vinaigrette: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey (or maple syrup), salt, and black pepper until well combined and emulsified.
- Toss the salad: Pour the vinaigrette over the quinoa mixture and toss gently until all ingredients are evenly coated.
- Chill before serving: Cover the bowl and refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld and serve chilled for best taste.
Notes
- Use crisp apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best texture and flavor.
- Feel free to substitute nuts and dried fruit based on preference or availability.
- For added freshness, consider adding chopped fresh herbs such as mint or parsley.
- This salad can be prepared a few hours ahead and stored refrigerated, but best consumed within 24 hours for optimal texture.
Keywords: quinoa salad, apple salad, healthy salad recipe, vegetarian salad, easy quinoa salad
