Description
This Quinoa Apple Salad is a beautifully simple dish, full of bright flavors and satisfying textures. Perfect for a light lunch or a vibrant side dish ready in about 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
- 2 cups water or vegetable broth
- 2 medium green apples, diced
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1/2 cup pecans, toasted
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan, combine rinsed quinoa and water (or broth). Bring to a boil, then lower heat, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes until fluffy and liquid is absorbed. Let cool completely.
- In a large bowl, combine cooled quinoa, diced apples, cranberries, pecans, and parsley.
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper until emulsified.
- Pour dressing over salad and gently toss until coated.
- Chill in the refrigerator for at least 20 minutes before serving for best flavor.
Notes
For best results, rinse quinoa thoroughly to remove bitterness, allow it to cool fully before mixing, and dice apples just before tossing to prevent browning.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 of 4 servings
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: quinoa apple salad, healthy salad, vegetarian salad, easy side dish