Cranberry Apple Quinoa Salad
User Reviews
4.4
Cranberry Apple Quinoa Salad
Description
The recipe mixes fluffy, cooked quinoa with diced apple, crunchy celery, sliced green onions, toasted pecans, and dried cranberries to create a salad with varied textures. The vinaigrette, made from apple cider vinegar, honey or maple syrup, olive oil, Dijon mustard, granulated garlic, salt, and pepper, ties the ingredients together with a tangy sweetness and a hint of spice.
The combination results in a light salad that can be served on its own or as a side dish. The sweet notes from apple and cranberries balance well with the savory mustard and garlic in the dressing, while the pecans add a toasty crunch. This salad works well for packed lunches or as part of a larger meal.
For make-ahead preparation, adding pecans just before serving helps maintain their crunch. The quinoa should be cooled to room temperature before combining with other ingredients and dressing to preserve texture.
Ingredients
Salad
- 1 cup quinoa uncooked
- 1/2 cup celery diced
- 2 green onions sliced
- 1 cup apple diced
- 1/3 cup pecans chopped, toasted
- 1/3 cup dried cranberries
Vinaigrette
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
- 1/4 teaspoon granulated garlic
- kosher salt fresh ground, to taste
- black pepper fresh ground, to taste
Instructions
- Cook the quinoa according to the package instructions adding a little salt to the water. Once the quinoa is cooked let it cool to room temperature.
- While the quinoa cools add all of the vinaigrette ingredients to a small bowl or jar with a lid. Whisk or shake until combined.
- Once the quinoa has cooled pour it into a serving bowl along with the remaining salad ingredients. Season with salt and pepper. Pour the vinaigrette over the salad and stir everything together until combined. Taste for seasoning, then serve or refrigerate until ready to serve.
Notes
- Keep pecans separate until serving to maintain their crunch if preparing salad ahead of time.
- Cool quinoa to room temperature before mixing to prevent sogginess.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 4-6 servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 218 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 1g | |
| Calories | 218kcal | 11% |
| Carbohydrates | 33g | 11% |
| Protein | 5g | 10% |
| Fat | 8g | 12% |
| Saturated Fat | 1g | 5% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 7g | 41% |
| Sodium | 60mg | 3% |
| Fiber | 4g | 16% |
| Sugar | 12g | 24% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
4.4
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