Description
A vibrant salad combining fluffy quinoa, tart cranberries, crunchy apples, and nuts, perfect for any gathering.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup quinoa
- 1–2 apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
- 1 cup dried cranberries
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts
- 1/4 cup feta or goat cheese (optional)
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Lemon juice to prevent browning
- Fresh herbs (parsley or mint)
Instructions
- Rinse quinoa under cold water and toast in a pot over medium heat for 2-3 minutes.
- Add 2 cups of water or broth, bring to a boil, reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes until fluffy.
- Chop apples and toss in lemon juice to prevent browning.
- Measure out cranberries and chop nuts.
- Combine cooled quinoa, apples, cranberries, and nuts in a large bowl.
- If using, crumble feta on top.
- Whisk together olive oil, apple cider vinegar, salt, and pepper in a small bowl, pour over salad and toss gently.
- Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Chill for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Notes
You can substitute farro for quinoa or add roasted butternut squash for an extra twist.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Chilling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
Keywords: quinoa salad, cranberry salad, healthy salad, apple salad, vegetarian dish