Refreshing Quinoa Apple Salad for Every Occasion

Quinoa Apple Salad is a delightful dance of flavors and textures that can brighten any meal. Imagine the sweet crunch of fresh apples mingling with the nutty goodness of quinoa, creating a dish that sings in your mouth.

This salad is not just about taste; it tells a story. Picture a sunny afternoon picnic with friends, laughter echoing, and this vibrant salad stealing the show. You’ll want to create this dish for every occasion, from summer barbecues to cozy winter gatherings.

I remember serving this salad at my sister’s birthday party, and it was gone before I could grab a second helping.

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Quinoa: A superfood packed with protein, choose rinsed quinoa to avoid bitterness.

• Apples: Crisp varieties like Granny Smith add freshness; feel free to mix colors for visual appeal.

• Celery: Fresh celery adds crunch; select firm stalks for the best texture.

• Dried Cranberries: These little gems add sweetness; unsweetened varieties work well for balance.

• Walnuts: Lightly toasted walnuts bring rich flavor; chop them roughly to keep some chunks intact.

• Olive Oil: Use high-quality extra virgin olive oil for richness; it enhances overall flavor beautifully.

• Lemon Juice: Fresh lemon juice brightens the salad; avoid bottled versions for optimal taste.

• Honey or Maple Syrup: A hint of sweetness rounds out flavors; adjust based on your preference.

• Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning; use sea salt and freshly cracked pepper for the best results.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

How to Make Quinoa Apple Salad

Cook the Quinoa: Start by rinsing 1 cup of quinoa under cold water. In a medium pot, combine rinsed quinoa with 2 cups of water and a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil over medium heat, then reduce to low and cover. Simmer until all water is absorbed, about 15 minutes.

Prepare the Apples: While quinoa cooks, core and dice 2 apples into bite-sized pieces. If you prefer an extra zing, squeeze some lemon juice over them immediately to prevent browning.

Add Crunchy Veggies: Chop 1 cup of celery into small pieces. Toss them in with your diced apples for added texture and flavor that pops with each bite.

Mingle Dried Fruits and Nuts: Grab half a cup of dried cranberries and 1 cup of roughly chopped walnuts. Mix these into your apple-celery blend for sweetness and crunch that’ll keep everyone coming back for more.

Create the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tablespoons of olive oil with 2 tablespoons of lemon juice and 1 tablespoon of honey or maple syrup until emulsified. Season generously with salt and pepper according to taste.

Toss Everything Together: In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked quinoa with apple-celery mixture and pour dressing over everything. Gently toss until all ingredients are well-coated in that lovely dressing—this is where magic happens!

Enjoy this refreshing Quinoa Apple Salad chilled or at room temperature. Preparing it ahead allows flavors to meld beautifully, but it’s hard not diving right in after making it!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by rinsing the quinoa under cold water to remove bitterness, then cook it in vegetable broth for added flavor. While the quinoa simmers, chop your apples and mix the dressing.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out apples for pears or add nuts like walnuts or almonds for extra crunch. A dash of lemon zest can brighten the flavors even more.

Storing & Reheating

Store any leftover Quinoa Apple Salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. For best texture, enjoy it cold rather than reheated.

The first time I made Quinoa Apple Salad, my friends devoured it so quickly that I barely got a chance to taste my creation—such a sweet victory!

FAQ

Can I make Quinoa Apple Salad ahead of time?

Absolutely! Prepare it a day in advance; flavors will meld beautifully.

What type of apples are best for this salad?

Crisp varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work wonderfully in this salad.

Can I use other grains instead of quinoa?

Yes! Try bulgur or farro for different textures and flavors in your salad.

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

📖 Recipe Card

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Quinoa Apple Salad

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• Author: Jennifer
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: Approximately 4 servings 1x

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Description

Quinoa Apple Salad is a refreshing blend of sweet and savory flavors that makes for a perfect side dish or light meal. This vibrant salad features nutty quinoa combined with crisp apples, crunchy celery, and sweet dried cranberries, all brought together with a zesty lemon dressing. Whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue or enjoying a cozy winter gathering, this salad will surely steal the show. Easy to prepare and packed with nutrients, it’s the ideal addition to any occasion.

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Ingredients

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• 1 cup quinoa
• 2 cups water
• 2 medium apples (diced)
• 1 cup celery (chopped)
• ½ cup dried cranberries
• 1 cup walnuts (roughly chopped)
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Rinse quinoa under cold water. In a pot, combine quinoa, water, and a pinch of salt. Bring to boil, then reduce heat and cover. Simmer until water is absorbed (about 15 minutes).
2. While quinoa cooks, core and dice apples. Squeeze some lemon juice over them to prevent browning.
3. Chop celery and combine with diced apples in a bowl.
4. Add cranberries and chopped walnuts to the apple-celery mix.
5. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, honey/maple syrup, salt, and pepper.
6. In a mixing bowl, combine cooked quinoa with apple mixture and drizzle dressing over everything. Toss gently to coat.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Salad
• Method: Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 12g
• Sodium: 15mg
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Unsaturated Fat: 16g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 34g
• Fiber: 5g
• Protein: 8g
• Cholesterol: 0mg