Salad
Cranberry Apple Quinoa Salad
On December 13, 2023 by userCranberry Apple Quinoa Salad is a delightful and healthy dish that combines the nutty flavor of quinoa with the sweetness of apples and the tartness of cranberries. Here’s a simple recipe for you:
Ingredients:
For the Quinoa:
- 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
- 2 cups water or vegetable broth
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
For the Salad:
- 1 large apple, cored and diced (use a sweet variety like Honeycrisp or Gala)
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts, toasted
- 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
For the Dressing:
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup or honey
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Cook the Quinoa:
- In a medium saucepan, combine quinoa, water or vegetable broth, and salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the quinoa is cooked and the liquid is absorbed. Fluff with a fork and let it cool.
- Toast the Nuts:
- In a dry skillet over medium heat, toast the chopped nuts until they are golden brown and fragrant. Stir frequently to prevent burning. This should take about 3-5 minutes. Remove from heat and let them cool.
- Prepare the Dressing:
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, apple cider vinegar, maple syrup or honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Adjust the seasoning to taste.
- Assemble the Salad:
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked and cooled quinoa, diced apple, dried cranberries, toasted nuts, chopped red onion, and fresh parsley.
- Add the Dressing:
- Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine. Make sure the ingredients are well coated with the dressing.
- Chill (Optional):
- You can chill the salad in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
- Serve:
- Serve the Cranberry Apple Quinoa Salad on its own or as a side dish. It can be enjoyed at room temperature or slightly chilled.
This salad is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients and makes a great addition to your meal, especially during the fall and winter seasons.