Let me tell you about my absolute favorite salad: the cranberry apple quinoa salad! This vibrant dish is not just a feast for the eyes but also offers a delightful burst of flavors that will make your taste buds dance. I remember the first time I made it for a family gathering; everyone was raving about how refreshing and satisfying it was. The sweet tartness of the cranberries paired with the crispness of the apples and the nutty quinoa creates such a wonderful harmony. It’s become a staple at our get-togethers, and I can’t wait for you to experience its magic too!
Ingredients for Cranberry Apple Quinoa Salad
- 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
- 2 cups water
- 1 apple, diced (I love using a crisp variety like Honeycrisp or Fuji for extra sweetness!)
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts (feel free to toast them for added flavor!)
- 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled (the creaminess here is just divine)
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar (this adds the perfect tang!)
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Prepare Cranberry Apple Quinoa Salad
- First, rinse the quinoa under cold water in a fine-mesh strainer. This helps remove its natural coating, called saponin, which can taste bitter. You’ll want to give it a good rinse!
- In a medium pot, combine the rinsed quinoa and 2 cups of water. Bring it to a boil over medium-high heat. It’s like a little bubbling cauldron of deliciousness!
- Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for about 15 minutes. This is when those lovely quinoa grains become fluffy!
- After 15 minutes, remove the pot from the heat and let it sit, still covered, for 5 minutes. This step is key for letting the quinoa finish steaming.
- Fluff the quinoa with a fork and let it cool to room temperature. You can spread it out on a baking sheet to speed up the cooling if you’re in a hurry!
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled quinoa, diced apple, dried cranberries, chopped walnuts, and crumbled feta. Trust me, this combination is a burst of flavor waiting to happen!
- In a separate small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, salt, and pepper. This dressing is simple but oh-so-good!
- Pour the dressing over the salad mixture and toss gently to combine all the flavors. Make sure everything is well-coated!
- Serve immediately for a fresh crunch or chill it in the fridge for about 30 minutes to let the flavors meld together. Either way, you’re in for a treat!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to whip up—perfect for busy weeknights!
- Easy to make with simple ingredients you’ll love.
- Healthy and packed with nutrients, making it a guilt-free choice.
- Flavorful with a delightful burst of sweetness and crunch.
- Great for meal prep or as a side dish for any gathering.
Nutritional Information
Keep in mind that nutritional values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you choose. The estimates for this cranberry apple quinoa salad are as follows: each serving contains about 280 calories, 12g of fat, 8g of protein, and 36g of carbohydrates, including 10g of sugar and 5g of fiber. It’s a wholesome choice packed with goodness!
Tips for Success
To make your cranberry apple quinoa salad even better, feel free to adjust the ingredients to suit your taste. If you prefer a nuttier flavor, try adding toasted almonds or pecans instead of walnuts. For a bit of zing, toss in some chopped green onions or a sprinkle of cinnamon! This salad stores well in the fridge for up to three days, so it’s perfect for meal prep. Just give it a good toss before serving to redistribute that delicious dressing. And if you want to add protein, grilled chicken or chickpeas make fantastic additions!
Variations of Cranberry Apple Quinoa Salad
If you want to mix things up, try swapping out the walnuts for pecans or slivered almonds for a different crunch. You can also add in some diced pear for an extra fruity twist! Feeling adventurous? Toss in some dried apricots or a handful of spinach for added color and nutrition. For a protein boost, grilled chicken, chickpeas, or even feta marinated in herbs would be fantastic additions! The possibilities are endless!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
To store your cranberry apple quinoa salad, transfer any leftovers to an airtight container and keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This salad tastes great cold, so there’s no need to reheat it. If you do prefer it warm, you can gently warm it in the microwave for about 30 seconds, but I recommend enjoying it chilled for the best flavor experience!
FAQ About Cranberry Apple Quinoa Salad
Can I make this salad vegan? Absolutely! Just omit the feta cheese or use a plant-based alternative, and you’re good to go!
What can I substitute for quinoa? If you’re not a quinoa fan, try using couscous or farro for a different texture and flavor.
Can I add more vegetables? Definitely! Chopped bell peppers, cucumbers, or even shredded carrots would add a lovely crunch and color!
How do I serve this salad? It’s fantastic as a light main dish or as a side at barbecues, potlucks, or family gatherings!
Is this salad gluten-free? Yes, quinoa is naturally gluten-free, making this salad a great choice for those with gluten sensitivities!
Final Thoughts
I really hope you give this cranberry apple quinoa salad a try! It’s such a delightful burst of flavors that brings joy to any meal. I’d love to hear how yours turns out, so please feel free to leave a comment or share your tweaks! Cooking is all about creativity, and I can’t wait to see what you come up with. Happy cooking!
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Cranberry Apple Quinoa Salad: 7 Flavors That Dazzle
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Cranberry apple quinoa salad offers 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
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 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.
- Fluff quinoa with a fork and let it cool.
- In a bowl, mix cooled quinoa, apple, cranberries, walnuts, and feta.
- In a separate bowl, whisk olive oil, vinegar, salt, and pepper.
- Pour dressing over salad and toss to combine.
- Serve immediately or chill before serving.
Notes
- Adjust ingredients based on your taste.
- Can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Add chicken for extra protein if desired.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
Keywords: cranberry apple quinoa salad, healthy salad, quinoa recipes
