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Quinoa Apple Salad

Quinoa Apple Salad: A Refreshing Twist on Healthy Eating

This Quinoa Apple Salad is a vibrant, nutritious dish that combines sweet apples, cranberries, and quinoa, perfect for a quick meal.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Resting Time 5 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Salads
Cuisine: American
Calories: 220

Ingredients
  

For the Salad
  • 1 cup quinoa Any type of quinoa, such as white or red
  • 2 cups vegetable broth
  • 2 medium apples Preferably Gala, can substitute with Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Granny Smith
  • 1/4 cup dried cranberries Can substitute with dried cherries, apricots, or raisins
  • 1/4 cup candied walnuts Can substitute with toasted pecans or almonds, or omit for nut-free
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley Chop just before serving
For the Vinaigrette
  • 1/4 cup maple syrup Honey can be used for a non-vegan option
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 1 clove garlic Minced
  • 1 pinch allspice
  • 1/4 cup olive oil

Equipment

  • Medium saucepan
  • Fine Mesh Strainer
  • Mixing Bowl
  • Whisk
  • Spatula

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions for Quinoa Apple Salad
  1. Rinse the quinoa thoroughly under cold water in a fine-mesh strainer. Combine with vegetable broth in a saucepan, bring to boil, then simmer for 15 minutes.
  2. Remove from heat and let it rest covered for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork and transfer to a mixing bowl to cool slightly.
  3. In a separate bowl, whisk together olive oil, maple syrup, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, minced garlic, and allspice for 30 seconds until well blended.
  4. Add diced apples, chopped parsley, and candied walnuts to the cooled quinoa. Gently fold them in using a spatula.
  5. Pour the vinaigrette over the salad mixture and toss gently until all ingredients are coated.
  6. Serve immediately or refrigerate for about 30 minutes to enhance flavors before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 220kcalCarbohydrates: 24gProtein: 6gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gSodium: 120mgPotassium: 230mgFiber: 4gSugar: 8gVitamin A: 2IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 30mgIron: 1mg

Notes

Rinse quinoa thoroughly to remove bitterness. To prevent browning of apples, sprinkle them with lemon juice if prepping ahead.

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