Apple Walnut Salad
User Reviews
5
Apple Walnut Salad
Description
The Apple Walnut Salad uses toasted quinoa cooked until light and tender as its base. Fresh chopped spinach adds leafy green freshness, while crunchy walnuts provide a nutty contrast. Diced apples and cranberries introduce sweet and tart fruit notes, balanced by the bite of finely chopped red onion. The dressing is a blend of olive oil for richness, apple cider vinegar and Dijon mustard for acidity and depth, and maple syrup for gentle sweetness. Tossing the salad ingredients with the dressing coats them evenly, enhancing the salad's flavor layers. Serving it chilled or at room temperature suits different preferences and occasions. This salad is versatile, bringing together wholesome grains, fresh produce, nuts, and a flavorful dressing in one dish.
Ingredients
- 1 cup quinoa uncooked
- 2 cups water
- 2 cups spinach roughly chopped
- 1 cup walnuts roughly chopped
- 1 ½ cups apple diced
- ¼ cup cranberries
- ¼ cup red onion finely chopped
Dressing
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
- 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Place the quinoa in a medium sauce pan over medium heat. Toast until the seeds start to pop and become aromatic. Add 2 cups of water to the quinoa and bring to a boil, then turn down the heat to low. Cover and simmer the quinoa for 15 minutes. Remove from the heat and keep covered for an additional 10 minutes. Fluff with a fork and season with salt.
- To make the dressing, whisk together the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, maple syrup, Dijon mustard, salt and pepper.
- When the quinoa is cool, place it in a bowl and add all the ingredients for the salad on top. Pour the dressing on top and stir gently to combine. Serve at room temperature or chilled.
Notes
- Store leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for 2-3 days to maintain freshness.
- Add diced apple just before serving to avoid browning and preserve its crisp texture.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 4servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 492 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 492kcal | 25% |
| Carbohydrates | 44g | 15% |
| Protein | 11g | 22% |
| Fat | 32g | 49% |
| Saturated Fat | 4g | 20% |
| Sodium | 342mg | 14% |
| Potassium | 528mg | 11% |
| Fiber | 7g | 28% |
| Sugar | 9g | 18% |
| Vitamin A | 1432IU | 29% |
| Vitamin C | 8mg | 9% |
| Calcium | 75mg | 8% |
| Iron | 3mg | 17% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
You'll Also Love
