Let me tell you about my absolute favorite salad: the cranberry apple quinoa salad! It’s the perfect blend of flavors and textures that just screams refreshing! Picture this: the nutty quinoa, sweet and tart cranberries, crisp apples, and a zing from the lemon dressing all coming together. I love making this salad when the weather starts to warm up or for those potlucks where you want to impress without spending all day in the kitchen. Plus, it’s so colorful—just looking at it makes me feel happy! Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be hooked on the delightful balance of flavors and the healthy goodness it brings to your table!
Ingredients for Cranberry Apple Quinoa Salad
Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this vibrant cranberry apple quinoa salad:
- 1 cup quinoa
- 2 cups water
- 1 cup cranberries (dried or fresh, your choice!)
- 1 apple, diced (I love using a crisp variety like Honeycrisp or Fuji)
- 1/4 cup red onion, chopped finely
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled (optional but adds a nice touch)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
These simple ingredients combine to create a salad that’s not only delicious but also super satisfying!
How to Prepare Cranberry Apple Quinoa Salad
Making this cranberry apple quinoa salad is a breeze! First, you’ll want to rinse the quinoa under cold water in a fine-mesh strainer. This step helps remove any bitterness—trust me, it’s worth it! Next, in a medium pot, combine the rinsed quinoa and 2 cups of water. Bring it to a rolling boil, and then reduce the heat to low. Cover it up and let it simmer for about 15 minutes. Your kitchen will smell amazing during this time!
Once the quinoa has absorbed all the water, remove it from the heat but let it sit, covered, for 5 more minutes. This resting period is key for fluffy quinoa—don’t skip it! After that, fluff it with a fork to separate the grains.
Now, grab a large bowl and combine the fluffed quinoa with cranberries, diced apple, red onion, and parsley. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper until you have a nice dressing. Pour it over the salad and toss everything together gently. Finally, sprinkle the feta cheese on top just before serving to keep it fresh and tasty. And that’s it—you’ve got a delicious, refreshing salad ready to enjoy!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to prepare—perfect for busy weeknights!
- Loaded with nutrients, making it a healthy choice for any meal.
- Sweet and tart flavors from cranberries and apples create a delightful balance.
- Versatile enough to be a side dish or a light main course.
- Colorful presentation that’s sure to impress at gatherings!
- Great for meal prep—enjoy it throughout the week!
Tips for Success
To ensure your cranberry apple quinoa salad turns out perfectly every time, here are my top tips! First, always rinse your quinoa well to get rid of that pesky bitter coating. It makes a world of difference! Also, use fresh, crisp apples—like Honeycrisp or Gala—because they add the best crunch and sweetness. When mixing, be gentle to keep your ingredients intact, especially the feta. For a beautiful presentation, consider adding some extra parsley or cranberries on top before serving. And don’t forget, this salad tastes even better after a few hours in the fridge as the flavors meld together!
Variations for Cranberry Apple Quinoa Salad
If you want to switch things up with your cranberry apple quinoa salad, I’ve got some fun ideas for you! Try adding different fruits like diced pears or pomegranate seeds for an extra burst of flavor and color. Want a little more crunch? Toss in some chopped walnuts or sliced almonds! Fresh herbs can also elevate your salad; think mint or cilantro for a refreshing twist. For the dressing, a splash of balsamic vinegar can add a lovely tang. And if you’re feeling adventurous, experiment with spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for a cozy fall vibe. The possibilities are endless!
Nutritional Information
Here’s a quick look at the estimated nutritional data for a serving of this delicious cranberry apple quinoa salad. Each serving (about 1 cup) packs in approximately 220 calories, with 9 grams of fat (2 grams saturated), and 6 grams of protein. You’ll also get around 30 grams of carbohydrates, including 5 grams of fiber, plus 5 grams of sugar. Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use. Enjoy this salad knowing it’s a wholesome choice!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your cranberry apple quinoa salad is super easy! Just place any leftovers in an airtight container and pop it in the fridge, where it will stay fresh for up to 3 days. If you like to meal prep, this salad is perfect for making in advance! When you’re ready to enjoy it, no reheating is necessary—just give it a good toss and serve cold or at room temperature. If you find it has thickened a bit, drizzle a little olive oil or lemon juice to refresh those flavors!
FAQ Section
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Absolutely! In fact, I recommend making the cranberry apple quinoa salad a few hours or even a day in advance. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully, making each bite even more delicious!
What can I substitute for feta cheese?
If you’re looking for a vegan option or just want to switch things up, ripe avocado makes a great substitute for feta. It adds creaminess without overpowering the other flavors.
Can I use other fruits in this salad?
Definitely! While cranberries and apples are fantastic, you can experiment with other fruits like diced oranges, mandarin segments, or even pomegranate seeds for a pop of color and flavor.
Is this salad gluten-free?
Yes, the cranberry apple quinoa salad is gluten-free since quinoa is a gluten-free grain. It’s a healthy and safe option for anyone avoiding gluten!
How long does this salad last in the fridge?
When stored properly in an airtight container, this salad can last up to 3 days in the fridge. Just give it a quick toss before serving again!
Cranberry Apple Quinoa Salad: 7 Reasons to Love It
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A refreshing salad with cranberries, apples, and quinoa.
Ingredients
- 1 cup quinoa
- 2 cups water
- 1 cup cranberries
- 1 apple, diced
- 1/4 cup red onion, chopped
- 1/4 cup parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Rinse quinoa under cold water.
- In a pot, combine quinoa and water. Bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes.
- Remove from heat and let it sit for 5 minutes.
- Fluff quinoa with a fork.
- In a large bowl, combine quinoa, cranberries, apple, red onion, and parsley.
- In a small bowl, whisk olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
- Pour dressing over the salad and toss to combine.
- Top with feta cheese before serving.
Notes
- Serve chilled or at room temperature.
- Can be made a day in advance.
- Substitute feta with avocado for a vegan option.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 100mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
Keywords: cranberry apple quinoa salad
