As I stood in my kitchen, the aroma of freshly cooked quinoa wafted through the air, instantly making me think of summer picnics and outdoor gatherings. This Quinoa Apple Salad is a delightful celebration of flavors and textures, blending nutty quinoa with crisp, juicy apples and chewy cranberries, all tied together with a sweet and tangy maple Dijon vinaigrette. Not only is this salad naturally gluten-free and vegetarian, but it also shines as a healthy, quick solution for meal prep—perfect for weekday lunches or adding a vibrant touch to your holiday table. With so many customizable options, whether you’re in the mood for something nutty or fruity, this recipe allows you to create a dish that fits your palate. Are you ready to dive into a bowl of this refreshing goodness?
Why is Quinoa Apple Salad a Must-Try?
Perfect for Meal Prep: This Quinoa Apple Salad can easily be made ahead, saving you time during busy weeks.
Deliciously Versatile: Change up the ingredients with seasonal fruits or nuts, making it adaptable to your taste and fresh ingredients.
Healthy and Wholesome: Packed with plant-based protein and fiber, it offers a nutritious option that keeps you satisfied without feeling heavy.
Crowd-Pleasing Flavor: The combination of sweet apples and tangy vinaigrette excites your taste buds, making it an ideal dish for both casual lunches and festive gatherings.
For a sweet twist, check out my recipe for Apple Broccoli Salad, or if you’re in the mood for dessert, try the delightful Apple Brownies Chewy.
Quinoa Apple Salad Ingredients
For the Salad
• Quinoa – Adds protein and structure; you can use any variety, but tricolor quinoa offers lovely visual appeal.
• Apples – Sweetness and crunch come from apples; Gala is great for sweetness, while Granny Smith gives a zesty kick.
• Dried Cranberries – These provide tangy sweetness; feel free to substitute with chopped dried cherries or raisins if desired.
• Candied Walnuts – Add a sweet crunch; you can swap them for toasted pecans or omit for a nut-free version.
• Celery – Brings freshness and crunch; no direct substitutes are necessary for this ingredient.
• Parsley – Offers a fresh herbal lift; feel free to use mint or basil if you prefer a different flavor.
For the Vinaigrette
• Vegetable Broth – This flavorful cooking liquid enhances your quinoa; you can use water or chicken broth as substitutes.
• Olive Oil – Provides richness in the dressing; high-quality extra virgin is a wonderful choice.
• Maple Syrup – Sweetens the vinaigrette; it harmonizes beautifully with the apples in your Quinoa Apple Salad.
• Dijon Mustard – Adds depth to the vinaigrette; it’s a fantastic flavor enhancer.
• Apple Cider Vinegar – Gives a tangy zest; enhance your salad’s profile with its fruity acidity.
• Garlic – Brings aromatic richness; fresh minced garlic is ideal.
• Allspice – Adds subtle warmth and depth to the vinaigrette; only a pinch is needed.
• Salt & Pepper – Essential for seasoning to taste and brightening flavors.
With these ingredients on hand, you’re all set to create a delightful Quinoa Apple Salad bursting with freshness and flavor.
Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Quinoa Apple Salad
Step 1: Rinse the Quinoa
Begin by rinsing 1 cup of quinoa under cold running water in a fine-mesh sieve for about 1-2 minutes. This process helps remove any bitterness from the quinoa. Once rinsed, let it drain for a moment while you prepare your cooking pot.
Step 2: Cook the Quinoa
In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed quinoa and 2 cups of vegetable broth. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for 15 minutes. The quinoa should absorb all the liquid and become fluffy when finished.
Step 3: Prepare the Vinaigrette
While the quinoa is cooking, in a mixing bowl, whisk together ¼ cup of olive oil, 2 tablespoons of maple syrup, 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard, 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar, 1 minced garlic clove, a pinch of allspice, and salt and pepper to taste. This vibrant vinaigrette will add a delicious tangy sweetness to your Quinoa Apple Salad.
Step 4: Combine the Salad Ingredients
Once the quinoa has rested for 15 minutes, fluff it gently with a fork and allow it to cool. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled quinoa, 2 diced apples, 1 cup of chopped celery, ½ cup of chopped parsley, and ½ cup of candied walnuts, stirring to ensure even distribution of flavors and textures.
Step 5: Dress the Salad
Pour the prepared vinaigrette over the quinoa mixture, ensuring everything is well-coated. Toss the salad gently until all ingredients are combined and the vinaigrette clings to the quinoa and fruits. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary for a more flavorful Quinoa Apple Salad.
Step 6: Serve or Chill
You can serve your Quinoa Apple Salad immediately for a fresh and vibrant experience or cover it and chill in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully, making it perfect for those who prefer a more cohesive taste before digging in.
Make Ahead Options
This Quinoa Apple Salad is a fantastic choice for meal prep, allowing you to save precious time during the week. You can prepare the quinoa and vinaigrette up to 3 days in advance and store them separately in the refrigerator. To maintain the crispness of the apples, dice them just before serving; you can also toss them in a little lemon juice to prevent browning if needed. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply mix the quinoa and vinaigrette together with your prepped apples, celery, parsley, and walnuts for a fresh and delicious salad that’s just as vibrant and tasty as when it was first made!
How to Store and Freeze Quinoa Apple Salad
Fridge: Store your Quinoa Apple Salad in an airtight container for up to 4 days. It’s best enjoyed cold, so no reheating is necessary.
Make-Ahead: Prepare the vinaigrette in advance, and simply combine it with the salad ingredients just before serving to keep everything fresh.
Freezer: While it’s not recommended to freeze this salad due to the texture of the apples, you can freeze the quinoa. Store in an airtight container for up to 3 months, then thaw and mix with fresh ingredients.
Keep It Crunchy: To maintain the crispness of your apples, add them just before serving if you make the salad ahead of time.
Expert Tips for Quinoa Apple Salad
-
Rinse Well: Always rinse your quinoa thoroughly to eliminate any bitterness. This simple step elevates the flavor of your Quinoa Apple Salad.
-
Cook Right: Avoid overcooking quinoa. As soon as it boils, reduce heat, cover, and let it sit to ensure it turns out fluffy and tender.
-
Keep Apples Fresh: Add apples just before serving to maintain their crunch. If preparing in advance, drizzle with lemon juice to prevent browning.
-
Taste Test: Always taste and adjust the seasoning of your vinaigrette before dressing the salad. A well-seasoned Quinoa Apple Salad makes all the difference!
-
Customize Ingredients: Feel free to mix in seasonal ingredients or different nuts to keep this dish fresh and exciting. Adapt it to suit your taste and dietary preferences!
What to Serve with Quinoa Apple Salad
Experience a delightful dining experience as you enhance this refreshing dish with vibrant pairings that excite the palate.
-
Grilled Chicken: This protein-packed option balances the salad’s lightness and adds a savory element to your meal. Perfect for those seeking a heartier dish.
-
Roasted Vegetables: Roasting brings out the natural sweetness in seasonal veggies, complementing the salad’s flavors and adding warmth to your table.
-
Avocado Toast: Creamy avocado on toasted whole grain bread harmonizes beautifully with the crunchy textures of the salad, creating a satisfying brunch or lunch option.
-
Hummus Platter: Serve a colorful array of fresh vegetables and pita alongside the Quinoa Apple Salad for a refreshing grazing experience that invites everyone to mingle.
-
Sparkling Water with Lemon: This lively drink is the perfect palette cleanser, enhancing the fresh flavors of your salad while keeping things light and refreshing.
-
Apple Pie: End your meal on a sweet note with this classic dessert, echoing the apples in your salad while delivering a warm, cozy experience.
By thoughtfully pairing, you ensure that your Quinoa Apple Salad shines at any occasion, transforming a simple meal into a memorable feast!
Quinoa Apple Salad Variations
Feel free to tailor this Quinoa Apple Salad to your heart’s content; the world is your oyster!
-
Nut-Free: Omit the candied walnuts and replace them with pumpkin seeds for a crunchy texture without the nuts.
-
Vegan Delight: Swap honey for maple syrup, ensuring your vinaigrette is entirely plant-based for a nourishing meal.
-
Fruit Fusion: Mix in seasonal fruits like pears or pomegranate seeds for an enticing burst of color and flavor.
-
Roasted Veggies: Add roasted butternut squash or sweet potatoes for a warm, comforting variation that’s wonderful in cooler months.
-
Cheesy Goodness: Crumble feta or goat cheese into the salad for a creamy contrast that adds an extra layer of flavor.
-
Protein Power: Toss in grilled chicken, chickpeas, or tofu to transform this salad into a hearty, complete meal.
-
Herb Twist: Experiment with fresh herbs like mint or basil instead of parsley for a refreshing twist that brightens up the dish.
-
Spice it Up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to vinaigrette for a flavorful kick that complements the sweetness of the apples.
These delightful variations ensure your Quinoa Apple Salad can fit any occasion, just like how my Apple Crumble Cheesecake provides a sweet ending to any meal or how our Apple Bread Deliciously serves as a cozy breakfast option. Enjoy customizing!
Quinoa Apple Salad Recipe FAQs
What kind of apples should I use for my Quinoa Apple Salad?
For a Quinoa Apple Salad, I recommend using Gala apples for their sweetness, or Honeycrisp and Fuji apples for similar flavors. If you’re after a sharper taste, Granny Smith apples are perfect for that zesty kick.
How do I store leftovers of the Quinoa Apple Salad?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. It’s best enjoyed cold, so there’s no need for reheating! This makes it perfect for meal prep, as you can grab and go.
Can I freeze the Quinoa Apple Salad?
While I wouldn’t recommend freezing the entire salad due to the texture of the apples, you can freeze the quinoa on its own. Place cooled quinoa in an airtight container and store it in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to use it, simply thaw the quinoa and mix it with fresh ingredients.
What can I do if my quinoa turns mushy?
If your quinoa turns mushy, it might be due to overcooking. To avoid this, always remove it from heat as soon as it reaches a boil and let it sit covered for 15 minutes. If it does become mushy, try blending it with other textured ingredients like nuts or seeds in your salad to help balance things out.
Can I make this salad vegan or nut-free?
Absolutely! To make the Quinoa Apple Salad vegan, simply stick to plant-based ingredients. For a nut-free version, you can either omit the candied walnuts or replace them with toasted pumpkin seeds for a satisfying crunch without the nuts.
How long does the vinaigrette last in the fridge?
The vinaigrette for your Quinoa Apple Salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. I often find it helps to make a larger batch for drizzling over various dishes throughout the week!
Quinoa Apple Salad: A Refreshing Twist for Every Occasion
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Rinse the quinoa under cold running water in a fine-mesh sieve for about 1-2 minutes.
- In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed quinoa and vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together olive oil, maple syrup, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, garlic, allspice, salt, and pepper to create the vinaigrette.
- Fluff the cooked quinoa with a fork, let it cool, then combine with diced apples, chopped celery, parsley, and walnuts in a large bowl.
- Pour the vinaigrette over the salad mixture and toss gently to coat. Adjust seasoning if necessary.
- Serve immediately or chill in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes before serving.
Leave a Reply