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.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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
Instructions
- 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).
- While quinoa cooks, core and dice apples. Squeeze some lemon juice over them to prevent browning.
- Chop celery and combine with diced apples in a bowl.
- Add cranberries and chopped walnuts to the apple-celery mix.
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, honey/maple syrup, salt, and pepper.
- 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