Apple Quinoa Salad with Cranberries: Healthy and Delicious

Crunchy, sweet, and bursting with flavors, this Quinoa Apple Salad Cranberry recipe is a delightful blend of wholesome ingredients that will tantalize your taste buds. The combination of earthy quinoa, juicy apples, and tangy cranberries creates a symphony of textures and tastes that is both satisfying and refreshing. Tossed in a luscious maple Dijon vinaigrette, this salad is perfect for a light lunch that keeps you energized or as a standout dish for fall gatherings with loved ones.

I first crafted this Quinoa Apple Salad Cranberry recipe for a book club brunch, and it was an instant hit! Since then, it has become a staple at our gatherings, with friends always asking for seconds. The candied walnuts in this salad add a delightful crunch and a hint of sweetness that elevates the dish to a whole new level. Each bite is a medley of flavors that is sure to leave you craving more, just like my sister who couldn’t resist sneaking a few extra nuts while we were preparing the salad.

Whether you’re looking for a nutritious main dish or a colorful side to complement your meal, this Quinoa Apple Salad Cranberry is a versatile option that never fails to impress. Packed with the goodness of quinoa and the freshness of apples, this salad is a celebration of seasonal flavors that will brighten up any table. So, grab your ingredients and get ready to indulge in a bowl of goodness that is not only delicious but also easy to prepare.

Quick Benefits

• Nutrient-Rich: Packed with wholesome ingredients like quinoa, apples, cranberries, and walnuts, this salad is a nutrient powerhouse, providing a variety of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
• Versatile: Easily customizable by swapping ingredients like dried cranberries for cherries, using different apple varieties, or adding greens like baby spinach, making it adaptable to personal preferences and seasonal produce availability.
• Long-Lasting Freshness: The vinegar in the dressing helps maintain the apple’s texture, allowing the salad to last in the refrigerator for up to three to four days, making it a convenient make-ahead option for busy schedules or meal prepping.

Why You’ll Love This Apple Quinoa Salad with Cranberries: Healthy and Delicious Recipe

• Bright and Nourishing: This salad combines sweet crunchy apples, earthy quinoa, and tangy cranberries, creating a vibrant and nourishing dish that pleases the palate.
• Versatile and Customizable: You can easily swap ingredients like using different types of quinoa, apples, or dried fruits, making it adaptable to your preferences and what’s in season.
• Memorable Candied Walnuts: The candied walnuts add a delightful crunch and sweetness to the salad, making it a standout element that you’ll remember and enjoy with every bite.
• Perfect for Gatherings: Whether it’s a potluck, brunch, or dinner with friends, this salad is a crowd-pleaser that will have everyone asking for the recipe and coming back for seconds.
• Meal Prep Friendly: With the apples retaining their texture due to the vinegar dressing, you can make this salad ahead of time for quick and convenient lunches or as a colorful side dish.
• Seasonal and Festive: The combination of quinoa, apples, and maple Dijon vinaigrette brings a cozy seasonal character to the table, making it perfect for fall and winter gatherings.
• Nutritious and Satisfying: Packed with healthy ingredients like quinoa, apples, and walnuts, this salad is not only delicious but also nutritious, leaving you feeling satisfied and energized.
• Easy to Serve and Enjoy: Whether as a main dish or a side, this salad is easy to transport for picnics or work lunches and can be dressed up with extra walnuts and parsley for a festive presentation.

Ingredients for Apple Quinoa Salad with Cranberries: Healthy and Delicious

Salad

• 1 1/2 cups vegetable broth
• 3/4 cup tricolor quinoa, rinsed
• 1 gala apple, diced into 1/4-inch cubes
• 1/4 cup celery, diced into 1/4-inch cubes
• 1/2 cup dried cranberries
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 1/4 cup candied walnuts

Maple Dijon Vinaigrette

• 1 teaspoon maple syrup
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
• 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt

Pro Tips for Apple Quinoa Salad with Cranberries: Healthy and Delicious

Pro Tips:

To keep the salad fresh and crisp, add the diced apples just before serving. This will help maintain their texture and prevent browning due to the vinegar in the dressing. For a twist, try using honeycrisp or fuji apples as alternatives to gala apples for different flavor profiles.

Experiment with different dried fruits like cherries or apricots to change up the sweetness in the salad. Also, feel free to swap the candied walnuts with plain walnuts or toasted pecans if you prefer a different nutty flavor. For added freshness and color, toss in a handful of baby spinach or other greens to enhance the salad’s vibrancy.

For a heartier winter version, consider adding roasted butternut squash cubes to the salad. In the summer, fresh berries can be a juicy and refreshing substitute for dried cranberries. Don’t hesitate to personalize this recipe with your favorite ingredients to make it your own unique creation.

How to Make Apple Quinoa Salad with Cranberries: Healthy and Delicious

Step 1: Cook Quinoa and Cranberries

In a medium saucepan, bring vegetable broth and rinsed quinoa to a boil. Stir in dried cranberries, cover, and let sit off heat for 15 minutes. Fluff quinoa with a fork and transfer to a large salad bowl.

Step 2: Prepare Maple Dijon Vinaigrette

Combine extra virgin olive oil, maple syrup, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, minced garlic, ground allspice, kosher salt, and black pepper in a small bowl. Whisk until well combined.

Step 3: Combine Salad Components

Combine diced apple, diced celery, chopped parsley, and candied walnuts with the quinoa mixture. Drizzle the vinaigrette over the salad and toss until everything is evenly coated.

Step 4: Serve

Serve the dish immediately or chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to enhance flavors. Serve cold or at room temperature.

Storage Tips

After making the Quinoa Apple Salad Cranberry, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The apples retain their texture for about three to four days due to the vinegar in the dressing helping to slow down browning. For best results, dice and add the apples just before serving to maintain their crispness. This salad is versatile and can be enjoyed as a main dish for lunch or as a colorful side with roasted chicken or baked tofu. It also travels well as a packed lunch and can be presented on a platter for special gatherings, garnished with extra candied walnuts and parsley for a festive touch.

To enhance the salad or adjust it to different seasons, consider some variations. For a winter twist, add roasted butternut squash cubes for a richer flavor. In the summer, fresh berries can be used instead of cranberries to add juiciness. During autumn, thinly sliced fennel can be included for a cool crunch and subtle anise flavor. Quinoa is a nutritious grain, and combining it with apples creates a cozy seasonal dish perfect for gatherings. The maple Dijon vinaigrette adds a delightful sweet and savory touch, but feel free to use your favorite dressing if desired.

Ingredient Substitutions

For ingredient substitutions in this Quinoa Apple Salad Cranberry recipe, feel free to use dried cherries or chopped dried apricots instead of dried cranberries for a different flavor profile. If you can’t find gala apples, honeycrisp or fuji apples are great alternatives. In place of candied walnuts, you can use plain walnuts or toasted pecans for that nutty crunch. To add more greens, toss in a handful of baby spinach for extra freshness and color.

Any variety of quinoa, whether white, red, or black, will work equally well in this salad without compromising the delicious taste and texture. If candied walnuts are not available or you prefer a different nut, pumpkin seeds make an excellent substitution for that desired crunch. Remember to serve this salad cold or at room temperature to allow the flavors to meld together beautifully after chilling. While the maple Dijon vinaigrette adds a unique sweet-tangy flavor, feel free to use your preferred dressing if you have a favorite or wish to experiment with different flavors. This salad can be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to three days, making it a convenient make-ahead dish for busy days or gatherings.

Serving Suggestions

To elevate the Quinoa Apple Salad Cranberry, consider serving it in individual lettuce cups for a fun and elegant presentation. Simply scoop a generous portion of the salad into each lettuce cup, garnish with a sprinkle of extra candied walnuts and a drizzle of maple Dijon vinaigrette on top. This serving style not only adds a touch of freshness but also makes it easy for guests to enjoy the salad as a handheld appetizer or light meal.

For a cozy and comforting twist, serve the Quinoa Apple Salad Cranberry warm as a stuffing for roasted acorn squash halves. Simply roast the acorn squash until tender, then fill each half with the salad mixture. The combination of the sweet squash, savory quinoa, and tangy cranberries creates a delightful contrast of flavors and textures that is sure to impress at any dinner gathering. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and candied walnuts before serving for a visually stunning and delicious dish that captures the essence of fall.

FAQs for Apple Quinoa Salad with Cranberries: Healthy and Delicious

Can I use a different variety of quinoa in this salad?

Yes, any variety of quinoa will work just as well in this salad. The taste and texture remain delicious.

Can I make this salad without candied walnuts?

Simply omit the candied walnuts or substitute with pumpkin seeds for extra crunch.

Should this salad be served cold or warm?

This salad is best served cold or at room temperature, allowing the flavors to develop after chilling.

Can I use a different dressing instead of the maple Dijon vinaigrette?

The maple Dijon vinaigrette adds a special tangy-sweet flavor, but you can use your favorite dressing if preferred.

Conclusion

I hope this recipe for Quinoa Apple Salad Cranberry becomes a staple in your home, just like it has in mine. The blend of flavors and textures creates a dish that is not only delicious but also nutritious and satisfying. Whether you’re enjoying it for lunch, as a side dish, or bringing it to a gathering, this salad is sure to impress.

Feel free to get creative with this recipe and make it your own by adding your favorite seasonal ingredients or personal twists. The versatility of Quinoa Apple Salad Cranberry makes it perfect for any occasion, and I hope it brings as much joy to your table as it has to mine. Here’s to many more delicious meals shared with loved ones and friends, centered around this delightful Quinoa Apple Salad Cranberry. Cheers to good food and good company!

Apple Quinoa Salad with Cranberries: Healthy and Delicious

“Quinoa Apple Salad with Dried Cranberries, Candied Walnuts, and Maple Dijon Vinaigrette – a vibrant and satisfying dish perfect for any occasion!”

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time15 min

Cook Time15 min

Total Time30 min

CuisineAmerican

Skill LevelEasy

Servings4 Servings (4 side portions)

Ingredients

Salad

• 1 1/2 cups vegetable broth
• 3/4 cup tricolor quinoa, rinsed
• 1 gala apple, diced into 1/4-inch cubes
• 1/4 cup celery, diced into 1/4-inch cubes
• 1/2 cup dried cranberries
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 1/4 cup candied walnuts

Maple Dijon Vinaigrette

• 1 teaspoon maple syrup
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
• 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt

Instructions

1. Cook Quinoa and Cranberries: In a medium saucepan, bring vegetable broth and rinsed quinoa to a boil. Stir in dried cranberries, cover, and let sit off heat for 15 minutes. Fluff quinoa with a fork and transfer to a large salad bowl.
2. Prepare Maple Dijon Vinaigrette: Combine extra virgin olive oil, maple syrup, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, minced garlic, ground allspice, kosher salt, and black pepper in a small bowl. Whisk until well combined.
3. Combine Salad Components: Combine diced apple, diced celery, chopped parsley, and candied walnuts with the quinoa mixture. Drizzle the vinaigrette over the salad and toss until everything is evenly coated.
4. Serve: Serve the dish immediately or chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to enhance flavors. Serve cold or at room temperature.