Oh my goodness, let me tell you about this *Cranberry Apple Quinoa Salad*! It’s like a refreshing burst of flavors that dances on your taste buds! I love how the tartness of the cranberries harmonizes with the crisp, sweet apples, creating a salad that’s not just delicious but also so healthy. Quinoa adds a wonderful nutty flavor and packs a protein punch, making it perfect as a light lunch or a vibrant side dish for dinner. And the best part? It’s super versatile! You can serve it chilled or at room temperature, making it ideal for potlucks or meal prep. Trust me, once you try this salad, you’ll want to make it again and again!
Ingredients List
- 1 cup quinoa
- 2 cups water
- 1 apple, diced
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts
- 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Prepare Cranberry Apple Quinoa Salad
Rinse and Cook the Quinoa
First things first, you’ll want to rinse the quinoa under cold water to get rid of that slightly bitter coating called saponin. This step is super important for achieving a clean, nutty flavor! Once it’s rinsed, bring 2 cups of water to a boil in a saucepan. Add the quinoa, give it a little stir, and then reduce the heat to low. Cover it up and let it simmer for about 15 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the quinoa has absorbed all the water and you see those little spirals separating from the grains. Remove it from the heat and let it cool for a bit!
Combine the Salad Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, it’s time to bring all those delicious flavors together! Start by adding your diced apple, dried cranberries, chopped walnuts, and crumbled feta cheese—oh, the colors are just stunning! Gently toss these ingredients together, making sure everything is evenly distributed. This salad is all about balance, and you want each bite to have that perfect mix of sweetness from the apples and cranberries with the crunch of the walnuts.
Prepare the Dressing
Now for the magic touch—let’s whip up that dressing! In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar, and a pinch of salt and pepper. You want to mix it well until it’s nice and emulsified. Trust me, this dressing adds a gorgeous tang that elevates the whole salad!
Mix and Serve
Pour that lovely dressing over your salad mixture and give it a good toss to coat everything evenly. It’s best to serve the cranberry apple quinoa salad chilled or at room temperature, so feel free to pop it in the fridge for a bit if you have time. This salad is perfect for prepping ahead, and it only gets better as the flavors meld together. Enjoy every vibrant bite!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s a quick and easy recipe that comes together in just 30 minutes!
- This salad is packed with nutrition, offering a delightful mix of protein, fiber, and vitamins.
- The combination of sweet apples and tart cranberries creates a flavor explosion that’s hard to resist!
- It’s versatile—perfect as a light lunch, a side dish for dinner, or even as a meal prep option for busy weeks.
- With its vibrant colors and textures, it’s not just a feast for the taste buds but also for the eyes.
- The dressing adds a tangy finish that really ties all the flavors together beautifully.
Tips for Success
To make your cranberry apple quinoa salad truly shine, here are some of my favorite tips! First, don’t skip rinsing the quinoa—it makes a world of difference! If you’re not a fan of feta, feel free to swap it out with goat cheese or leave it out entirely for a vegan option. For a nut-free version, try sunflower seeds instead of walnuts; they add a nice crunch too! If you’re short on time, you can use pre-cooked quinoa or even quinoa packets from the store. Oh, and if you want to kick the flavor up a notch, add a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm twist. Trust me, these little tweaks can elevate your salad to new heights!
Nutritional Information
Before we dive into the deliciousness, it’s good to note that nutritional values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use. But here’s a rough estimate of what you can expect from one serving of this fantastic cranberry apple quinoa salad:
- Calories: 280
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 5g
- Sugar: 10g
- Protein: 8g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Cholesterol: 5mg
This salad is not only a treat for your taste buds but also a nourishing option that brings a delightful burst of flavors while keeping it healthy! Enjoy every bite, knowing you’re fueling your body right!
FAQ Section
Can I make this salad in advance? Absolutely! This cranberry apple quinoa salad is perfect for making ahead of time. In fact, letting it sit in the fridge for a few hours or even overnight allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Just give it a quick toss before serving!
Is this salad gluten-free? Yes, quinoa is naturally gluten-free, making this salad a great option for anyone with gluten sensitivities. Just be sure to check that your other ingredients, like the feta, are also gluten-free if that’s a concern.
What can I substitute for quinoa? If you’re looking for a change, you can substitute quinoa with farro or bulgur wheat. Both options provide a delightful texture and pair well with the other ingredients.
How long does this salad last in the fridge? When stored in an airtight container, this salad can last for about 3-4 days in the fridge. Just keep in mind that the apples might soften a bit, so you can always add fresh apple pieces just before serving!
Can I turn this into a main dish? Definitely! You can easily add some grilled chicken, chickpeas, or even shrimp to make it a hearty main dish. The quinoa base makes it super filling, and it’s a great way to enjoy a balanced meal!
Serving Suggestions
Oh, let me tell you, this cranberry apple quinoa salad pairs beautifully with a variety of dishes! For a light lunch, serve it alongside a warm bowl of butternut squash soup—it’s like a cozy hug in a bowl! If you’re hosting a dinner, this salad shines next to roasted chicken or grilled salmon; the flavors complement each other so well! You can even scoop it onto a bed of mixed greens for an extra crunch.
And don’t forget about beverages! A crisp, chilled white wine, like Sauvignon Blanc, enhances the salad’s vibrant flavors. If you prefer something non-alcoholic, a sparkling apple cider is refreshing and delightful. Trust me, these combinations will make your meal memorable and oh-so-satisfying!
Print
Cranberry Apple Quinoa Salad: A Delightful Flavor Burst
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Cranberry apple quinoa salad is a delightful burst of flavors.
Ingredients
- 1 cup quinoa
- 2 cups water
- 1 apple, diced
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts
- 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Rinse quinoa under cold water.
- In a saucepan, bring water to a boil.
- Add quinoa, reduce heat, and simmer for 15 minutes.
- Remove from heat and let it cool.
- In a large bowl, combine diced apple, cranberries, walnuts, and feta cheese.
- Add cooled quinoa to the bowl.
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, apple cider vinegar, salt, and pepper.
- Pour dressing over the salad and mix well.
- Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Notes
- For a vegan option, omit feta cheese.
- You can substitute walnuts with almonds or pecans.
- This salad can be made a day ahead.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
Keywords: cranberry apple quinoa salad, healthy salad, quinoa recipes, vegetarian salad
