Cranberry Apple Quinoa Salad Recipe
A refreshing and healthy Cranberry Apple Quinoa Salad featuring tender quinoa mixed with crisp apple, sweet dried cranberries, fresh parsley, and crunchy almonds, all tossed in a tangy honey-Dijon dressing. Perfect as a nutritious side dish or light lunch.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
Salad
- 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
- 2 cups water
- 1 large apple, diced
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1/4 cup sliced almonds (optional)
Dressing
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Quinoa: In a medium saucepan, bring the rinsed quinoa and water to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 15 minutes, or until quinoa is tender and water is absorbed. Remove from heat and let it cool.
- Prepare the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until well combined and emulsified.
- Combine the Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled quinoa, diced apple, dried cranberries, chopped fresh parsley, and sliced almonds if using.
- Toss with Dressing: Pour the prepared dressing over the salad mixture and toss gently until all ingredients are evenly coated.
- Chill and Serve: Refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld. Serve chilled or at room temperature for best taste.
Notes
- For extra crunch, toast the sliced almonds lightly before adding.
- Use any apple variety you prefer; tart apples like Granny Smith add a nice balance.
- This salad can be prepared a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator.
- For a nut-free option, omit the sliced almonds.
- Adjust honey quantity to taste, especially if your apples are very sweet.
Keywords: quinoa salad, cranberry apple salad, healthy salad, vegetarian salad, quinoa recipe, easy salad, autumn salad
