Quinoa Apple Salad Recipe

If you’re craving a salad that’s refreshing, packed with flavor, and just a little bit unexpected, the Quinoa Apple Salad is an absolute must-try. This vibrant dish marries the nutty goodness of quinoa with the sweet crunch of gala apples, all tied together with a tangy yet subtly spiced vinaigrette. Every bite bursts with textures and tastes that make it perfect for lunch, a light dinner, or even as a stunning side dish at your next gathering. Trust me, once you make this Quinoa Apple Salad, it will quickly become one of your favorite go-to recipes for a healthy and delicious meal.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Getting started is simpler than you might think! Each ingredient in this Quinoa Apple Salad plays a special role, whether it’s adding a burst of sweetness, a satisfying crunch, or a depth of flavor that makes this salad so unique.

• Vegetable broth: Used to cook the quinoa, it infuses extra savory notes to the grain for a richer taste.
• Tricolor quinoa: The star grain adds colorful appeal and a protein boost, making the salad hearty and nutritious.
• Dried cranberries: These bring a gentle tangy sweetness that contrasts beautifully with the fresh ingredients.
• Gala apple: Diced into perfect little cubes, this apple variety adds crispness and natural sweetness.
• Celery: Offers a refreshing crunch and a mild peppery flavor that balances the sweetness of the fruit.
• Fresh parsley: Brings a bright, herbaceous freshness that livens up the entire salad.
• Candied walnuts: These add a sweet, crunchy element with an irresistible caramelized texture.
• Extra virgin olive oil: A smooth, fruity base for the vinaigrette dressing.
• Maple syrup: Adds a natural sweetness that blends perfectly with the tangy ingredients in the dressing.
• Dijon mustard: Gives a subtle kick and depth, rounding out the vinaigrette’s flavor profile.
• Apple cider vinegar: Brightens the salad with its tang and complements the apples beautifully.
• Garlic clove: Provides a gentle pungency that elevates the dressing.
• Ground allspice: Just a pinch adds warm, aromatic undertones that make the salad feel cozy and special.
• Kosher salt: Enhances all the flavors without overpowering.
• Black pepper: Adds a subtle spice to balance the sweetness.

How to Make Quinoa Apple Salad

Step 1: Cook Quinoa with Cranberries

Start by bringing your vegetable broth to a gentle boil in a medium saucepan. Add the rinsed quinoa and dried cranberries, then cover the pot and remove it from heat. Let it sit for about 15 minutes to absorb the liquid and soften, allowing the quinoa to fluff up perfectly and the cranberries to plump with sweetness. Once done, fluff the quinoa mixture with a fork and transfer it to a large salad bowl—this sets the base for all the delicious layers to come.

Step 2: Whisk Together the Vinaigrette

While the quinoa basks and absorbs flavors, you can prepare the 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 everything until the mixture emulsifies into a lovely, smooth dressing that will marry all the ingredients beautifully in the salad.

Step 3: Combine Salad Ingredients

Next, fold in your diced gala apple, celery, fresh parsley, and those wonderfully crunchy candied walnuts into the fluffy quinoa. Pour the freshly whisked vinaigrette over the mixture and toss gently but thoroughly. This ensures each bite gets the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors along with a variety of textures.

Step 4: Chill or Serve Immediately

You can enjoy the Quinoa Apple Salad right away if you’re eager for that fresh bite, or let it chill in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. Chilling helps all the flavors meld together even more, giving the salad a deeper, more harmonious taste. Whether served cold or just at room temperature, it’s a winner every time.

How to Serve Quinoa Apple Salad

Garnishes

For a little extra flair, sprinkle some additional chopped fresh parsley or a few candied walnuts on top just before serving. A tiny drizzle of maple syrup or a few fresh apple slices can also make your presentation pop while adding a touch more sweetness.

Side Dishes

This salad pairs fabulously with grilled chicken or fish for a balanced meal, or alongside roasted vegetables for a vegetarian feast. It’s versatile enough to complement any light, healthy entree, making it great for picnics, potlucks, or casual dinners.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to elevate your Quinoa Apple Salad, serve it in hollowed-out apple halves or mini mason jars for a cute, personalized touch. Layering it with some creamy goat cheese in between could also add another dimension of flavor and texture to impress your guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After enjoying your Quinoa Apple Salad, simply store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It stays fresh for up to three days, making it perfect for easy lunches or a quick snack later during the week.

Freezing

Because of the fresh apple and vinaigrette components, freezing this salad is not recommended. The texture of the apples and walnuts would suffer, becoming soggy or mushy when thawed.

Reheating

This salad is best enjoyed cold or at room temperature. If you prefer a warmer dish, you can gently reheat the quinoa base alone, then toss it with the fresh ingredients and dressing afterward for optimal texture and flavor.

FAQs

Can I use other types of apples in this Quinoa Apple Salad?

Absolutely! While Gala apples offer a perfect balance of sweetness and crispness, you can experiment with Granny Smith for tartness or Fuji for extra sweetness. Just be sure to choose fresh, firm apples to keep that satisfying crunch.

Is quinoa the best grain for this salad?

Quinoa works beautifully because it’s light, fluffy, and packed with protein, but you could substitute with couscous or bulgur if you’re looking for a different texture. Just adjust cooking times accordingly.

Can I make this salad vegan?

Yes! This Quinoa Apple Salad is already vegan-friendly since it uses vegetable broth and no animal products. Just ensure your candied walnuts don’t contain any honey or dairy.

What’s the best way to add more protein?

Adding chickpeas, grilled tofu, or some crumbled feta cheese can boost protein content and give the salad an even heartier feel if you need it to be more of a full meal.

How far ahead can I prepare this salad?

You can prepare the quinoa and vinaigrette a day in advance, then toss everything together right before serving to ensure the freshest texture and flavor, especially with the apples and walnuts.

Final Thoughts

I truly hope you give this Quinoa Apple Salad a try. It’s a deliciously vibrant and healthy way to brighten up your meals and impress anyone lucky enough to share it with you. Easy to prepare and full of contrasting textures and flavors, it quickly becomes a beloved recipe that you’ll reach for time and again.

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