Apple Quinoa Salad: The Easiest Healthy Lunch Recipe

Apple quinoa salad. The very words conjure up images of crisp autumn days, a slight chill in the air, and the vibrant colors of fall foliage. This isn’t just a salad; it’s a celebration of fresh flavors and textures. It reminds me of family gatherings at my grandmother’s house, where the air was always filled with the aroma of apples baking and laughter echoing through the rooms.                                                  Close-up detail

This apple quinoa salad recipe is my ode to those memories, a way to bring that same warmth and joy to your table. It’s a surprisingly versatile dish, perfect as a light lunch, a satisfying side, or even a festive addition to your holiday spread.

Why You Will Love This apple quinoa salad Recipe

This apple quinoa salad isn’t just good for you; it tastes amazing! It’s the perfect balance of sweet and savory, crunchy and chewy, healthy and completely satisfying. It’s incredibly easy and quick to make. What could be better than a salad that requires minimal effort but delivers maximum flavor? Think weekday lunches and easy dinner sides.

Plus, it is incredibly versatile! Feel free to customize it with your favorite nuts, dried fruits, or cheeses. It’s a forgiving recipe you can adapt to your tastes. It’s a guaranteed crowd pleaser at any gathering, from casual potlucks to elegant dinner parties. It’s one of those recipes that everyone asks for!

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Here is a delicious salad that can easily be paired with this Blackberry Chicken Salad for a vibrant and flavorful meal.

Ingredients Needed for This apple quinoa salad Recipe

• Quinoa: 1 cup, uncooked
• Water or Vegetable Broth: 2 cups (for cooking quinoa)
• Apples: 2 medium, cored and diced (I prefer Honeycrisp or Gala)
• Celery: 2 stalks, diced
• Red Onion: 1/4 cup, finely diced
• Dried Cranberries: 1/2 cup
• Toasted Pecans or Walnuts: 1/2 cup, chopped

For the Dressing:

• Apple Cider Vinegar: 3 tablespoons
• Olive Oil: 3 tablespoons
• Maple Syrup or Honey: 1 tablespoon (adjust to taste)
• Dijon Mustard: 1 teaspoon
• Salt: 1/4 teaspoon (or to taste)
• Black Pepper: 1/4 teaspoon (or to taste)

How to Make This apple quinoa salad Recipe

1. 1. Cook the Quinoa: Rinse the quinoa thoroughly under cold water. Combine the rinsed quinoa with the water or vegetable broth in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes, or until all the liquid is absorbed and the quinoa is fluffy. Remove from heat and let it cool completely.

1. 2. Prepare the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the apple cider vinegar, olive oil, maple syrup (or honey), Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until well combined. Taste and adjust sweetness or tanginess as needed.

1. 3. Combine Salad Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the cooled quinoa, diced apples, diced celery, diced red onion, and dried cranberries.

1. 4. Add the Dressing: Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat all the ingredients evenly.

1. 5. Add Nuts and Serve: Sprinkle the chopped toasted pecans or walnuts over the salad just before serving.

1. 6. This recipe pairs very well with other salads. Consider trying this Viral Celebrity Quinoa Salad for a more hearty dish.

How to Serve This apple quinoa salad Recipe

This apple quinoa salad is incredibly versatile! Serve it chilled for a refreshing and light lunch. Try it as a side dish alongside grilled chicken, fish, or pork chops. You can also add crumbled goat cheese or feta cheese for extra creaminess and tang. Additionally consider sprinkling some hemp or chia seeds for an extra boost of nutrients and a slight nutty flavor. A little sprinkle of cinnamon on top is lovely, too!

How to Store This apple quinoa salad Recipe

• Refrigeration: Store the apple quinoa salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days. The apples may brown slightly over time, but it will still taste delicious.

• Freezing: Freezing is not recommended, as the texture of the quinoa and apples may change upon thawing.

• Reheating: Not applicable, as this salad is best served cold or at room temperature. If refrigerating, allow the salad to sit at room temperature for about 15 to 20 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.

Tips to Make This apple quinoa salad Recipe

• Apple Selection: Choose crisp, slightly tart apples like Honeycrisp, Gala, or Fuji for the best flavor and texture.

• Quinoa Prep: Make sure to rinse the quinoa thoroughly before cooking to remove any bitterness.

• Dressing Adjustment: Taste the dressing and adjust the sweetness or acidity to your liking. Different brands of apple cider vinegar and maple syrup can vary in flavor.

• Nut Toasting: Toasting the nuts enhances their flavor and adds a satisfying crunch. You can toast them in a dry skillet over medium heat for a few minutes, or bake them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5 to 7 minutes. They can also easily combine in a large serving bowl with our delightful Strawberry Avocado Shrimp Salad.

Helpful Notes for This apple quinoa salad Recipe

• Quinoa Variety: While I typically use white quinoa, you can substitute it with red or black quinoa for a slightly different flavor and texture.

• Maple Syrup: If you do not have Maple Syrup you can substitute it with honey or agave nectar.

• Apple Cider Vinegar: If you do not have Apple Cider Vinegar you can substitute it with another light-colored vinger like rice vinegar or white wine vinegar.

• Equipment: A good quality knife is helpful when cutting and prepping ingredients. I also recommend a sturdy large bowl.

Variation of This apple quinoa salad Recipe

• Seasonal Twist: In the fall, add roasted butternut squash or sweet potatoes for a warm and cozy twist. In the summer, try adding fresh berries like blueberries or raspberries.

• Cheese Addition: Crumbled goat cheese, feta cheese, or blue cheese add a creamy and tangy element to the salad.

• Protein Boost: Add grilled chicken, chickpeas, or lentils for a more substantial and filling meal.

Conclusion

This fresh and healthy apple quinoa salad is a delightful and easy way to enjoy the flavors of fall (or any season!). With its perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and crunchy textures, this is sure to become a new favorite go to recipe. Whether you are looking for a light lunch, or a perfect side dish this apple quinoa salad is one that you will be turning to again and again! Give it a try and let me know what you think!

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Apple Quinoa Salad: The Easiest Healthy Lunch Recipe

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• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

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Description

This apple quinoa salad is a perfect blend of sweet and savory, featuring crisp apples, chewy quinoa, and a tangy apple cider vinaigrette. A healthy and delicious salad for any occasion!

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 cup quinoa, uncooked
• 2 cups water or vegetable broth
• 2 medium apples, diced
• 2 stalks celery, diced
• 1/4 cup red onion, finely diced
• 1/2 cup dried cranberries
• 1/2 cup toasted pecans or walnuts, chopped
• For the Dressing:
• 3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon maple syrup or honey
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1/4 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (or to taste)

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Instructions

1. 1. Rinse the quinoa thoroughly under cold water.
2. 2. Combine the rinsed quinoa with water or vegetable broth in a medium saucepan.
3. 3. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes, or until all liquid is absorbed and the quinoa is fluffy.
4. 4. Remove from heat and let it cool completely.
5. 5. In a small bowl, whisk together the apple cider vinegar, olive oil, maple syrup (or honey), Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until well combined.
6. 6. Taste and adjust sweetness or tanginess as needed.
7. 7. In a large bowl, combine the cooled quinoa, diced apples, diced celery, diced red onion, and dried cranberries.
8. 8. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat all ingredients evenly.
9. 9. Sprinkle the chopped toasted pecans or walnuts over the salad just before serving.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Salad
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 15g
• Sodium: 120mg
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fiber: 8g
• Protein: 8g
• Cholesterol: 0mg

Keywords: quinoa salad, apple salad, healthy salad, fall salad, gluten-free