Description
This Cranberry Apple Quinoa Salad is a refreshing, nutrient-packed dish bursting with flavors and textures. Perfect for lunch, a light dinner, or as a side for gatherings, it combines tender quinoa, crisp apples, tart cranberries, and a tangy-sweet dressing.
Ingredients
- 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
- 2 cups water
- 1 large apple, diced
- ½ cup dried cranberries
- ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
- ¼ cup sliced almonds (optional)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan, bring 2 cups of water to a boil. Add rinsed quinoa, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes until water is absorbed and quinoa is tender. Fluff with a fork and let cool slightly.
- In a large bowl, combine cooked quinoa, diced apple, dried cranberries, chopped parsley, and sliced almonds.
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper.
- Pour dressing over the quinoa mixture and toss gently to combine.
- Serve chilled or at room temperature. Garnish with additional parsley if desired.
Notes
- Use your favorite apple variety for different sweetness levels.
- Add roasted chicken or chickpeas for extra protein.
- Can be prepared a day ahead and stored in the fridge for meal prep.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Boiling & Mixing
- Cuisine: International