Fresh Quinoa Apple Salad with Walnuts and Cranberries Recipe
Introduction
This Quinoa Apple Salad is a fresh and nutritious dish perfect for a light lunch or a side at dinner. It combines the nutty flavor of quinoa with crisp apples, crunchy walnuts, and sweet cranberries, all brought together by a zesty lemon vinaigrette.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked quinoa
- 2 medium apples, diced
- 1/2 cup walnuts, chopped
- 1/3 cup dried cranberries
- 1/4 cup lemon vinaigrette
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large bowl, combine the cooked quinoa, diced apples, chopped walnuts, and dried cranberries.
- Step 2: Pour the lemon vinaigrette over the salad and toss gently until all ingredients are evenly coated. Serve chilled.
Tips & Variations
- For extra flavor, toast the walnuts lightly before adding them to the salad.
- Substitute apples with pears for a sweeter variation.
- Add fresh herbs like mint or parsley to brighten the salad.
Storage
Store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. For best texture, keep the dressing separate and toss just before serving. If reheating, note that this salad is best enjoyed cold or at room temperature.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use other grains instead of quinoa?
Yes, cooked couscous, bulgur, or farro can be good alternatives if you prefer a different texture or flavor.
How long does this salad stay fresh?
The salad remains fresh for up to 2 days when refrigerated. The apples may brown slightly, so tossing with a little extra lemon juice can help maintain their color.
PrintFresh Quinoa Apple Salad with Walnuts and Cranberries Recipe
A refreshing and nutritious Quinoa Apple Salad featuring cooked quinoa, crisp apples, crunchy walnuts, and sweet dried cranberries, all tossed in a zesty lemon vinaigrette. This easy-to-make salad is perfect for a light lunch or a healthy side dish.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Salad Ingredients
- 1 cup cooked quinoa
- 1 large apple, diced
- 1/2 cup walnuts, chopped
- 1/3 cup dried cranberries
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Lemon Vinaigrette
Instructions
- Prepare the vinaigrette: In a small bowl, whisk together fresh lemon juice, olive oil, honey, salt, and black pepper until well combined and emulsified.
- Combine salad ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add cooked quinoa, diced apples, chopped walnuts, and dried cranberries.
- Toss the salad: Pour the lemon vinaigrette over the quinoa mixture and toss gently until all ingredients are evenly coated.
- Chill and serve: Refrigerate the salad for at least 15 minutes to allow flavors to meld. Serve chilled for a refreshing taste.
Notes
- Use any variety of apples you prefer, such as Granny Smith for tartness or Fuji for sweetness.
- For added protein, consider adding grilled chicken or chickpeas.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- This salad can be made ahead of time and kept chilled, making it ideal for meal prep.
Keywords: quinoa salad, apple salad, healthy salad, vegetarian salad, walnut salad, cranberry salad, lemon vinaigrette, no-cook salad
