If you’re looking for a dish that’s as vibrant and refreshing as it is nutritious, you’ve got to try this cranberry apple quinoa salad! This salad is bursting with flavor and packed with wholesome ingredients that not only taste amazing but also nourish your body. The combination of chewy quinoa, tart cranberries, and crisp apples creates a delightful texture that makes every bite a joy. Plus, it’s super easy to whip up! Whether you’re prepping for a lunch, a dinner party, or just want a healthy snack on hand, this cranberry apple quinoa salad is sure to impress. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be hooked!
Ingredients List
To make this delicious cranberry apple quinoa salad, you’ll need the following fresh and nutritious ingredients:
- 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
- 2 cups water
- 1 cup dried cranberries
- 1 apple, diced (I love using a crisp variety like Honeycrisp!)
- 1/4 cup walnuts, chopped
- 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
These simple, wholesome ingredients come together to create a salad that’s not just tasty but also packed with nutrients. Feel free to get creative with your apple choice or add a bit more crunch with some extra nuts!
How to Prepare the Cranberry Apple Quinoa Salad
Getting this cranberry apple quinoa salad ready is a breeze, and I promise you’ll love how simple it is! First things first, rinse your quinoa under cold water to remove any bitterness. This step is crucial for a clean taste, so don’t skip it!
Next, in a medium pot, combine the rinsed quinoa and 2 cups of water. Bring it to a rolling boil over high heat. Once it’s boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for about 15 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the water is absorbed and the quinoa is fluffy. Remove it from the heat and let it cool – you can even spread it out on a baking sheet to speed up the cooling process.
While the quinoa is cooling, grab a large bowl and mix in your dried cranberries, diced apple, and chopped walnuts. These add such lovely textures and flavors! Once the quinoa is cool, fold it into the bowl with the other ingredients.
Now, let’s whip up the dressing! In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, salt, and pepper until well combined. Pour this over your salad and toss gently to coat everything evenly. Finally, sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese on top before serving. And voilà! You’ve got yourself a delicious, nutritious salad that’s ready to shine at any meal!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Incredibly refreshing and vibrant flavors that brighten up any meal.
- Packed with nutrients, making it a wholesome choice for any diet.
- Quick and easy to prepare, perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep.
- Versatile enough to serve as a side dish or a light main course.
- Deliciously combines sweet and savory elements for a balanced taste.
- Great for entertaining – it looks beautiful on a serving platter!
Tips for Success
To truly elevate your cranberry apple quinoa salad, I’ve got a few tips that’ll make all the difference! First, choose high-quality quinoa; it’s worth it for the flavor and texture. Don’t forget to rinse it well before cooking to get rid of any bitterness – trust me, this step is key!
When selecting apples, go for a crisp variety like Honeycrisp or Fuji for that satisfying crunch. You can also toast the walnuts in a dry skillet for a few minutes to enhance their nutty flavor – yum! And if you want to add a little zing, consider mixing in a bit of fresh lemon juice to brighten everything up. Finally, let the salad sit for 10-15 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld beautifully!
Variations
The beauty of this cranberry apple quinoa salad is how versatile it is! You can easily switch things up to match your taste or what you have on hand. For a different nutty flavor, try swapping the walnuts for pecans or slivered almonds – both add a lovely crunch! If you’re feeling adventurous, toss in some diced pears or even pomegranate seeds for an extra burst of sweetness and color.
Want to add a little spice? A pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg can bring a warm twist to the salad. You could also experiment with different cheeses; goat cheese or blue cheese can add a delightful tang. Get creative and make this salad your own – the possibilities are endless!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your leftover cranberry apple quinoa salad is super simple! Just transfer it to an airtight container and pop it in the refrigerator, where it’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days. I love how the flavors get even better as they meld together!
If you find yourself wanting to enjoy it warm, you can gently reheat it in the microwave. Just add a splash of water to keep it from drying out, cover it lightly, and heat in 30-second intervals until warmed through. But honestly, it’s just as delightful served cold, so no pressure there!
Nutritional Information
This cranberry apple quinoa salad is not only delicious but also a nutritious choice! Here’s a quick look at the typical nutritional data per serving, keeping in mind that these values are estimates:
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 10g
- Protein: 8g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Sugar: 10g
- Fiber: 5g
With its well-rounded profile, this salad is a fantastic option for anyone looking to enjoy a healthy meal that doesn’t skimp on flavor!
FAQ Section
Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried ones?
Absolutely! Fresh cranberries will give a tart punch to the salad, but keep in mind they’re quite a bit more tart than dried. If you prefer a sweeter flavor, consider adding a touch of honey or maple syrup to balance it out.
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, this cranberry apple quinoa salad is perfect for make-ahead meals! You can prepare it a day in advance and store it in the fridge. Just add the feta cheese right before serving to keep it fresh and crumbly.
Is this salad gluten-free?
Yes, quinoa is naturally gluten-free, making this salad a fantastic option for anyone with gluten sensitivities. Just double-check that your other ingredients, like feta cheese, are certified gluten-free if necessary.
What can I substitute for feta cheese?
If you’re not a fan of feta, feel free to swap it out for goat cheese or even a dairy-free cheese alternative. Both options will still provide a lovely creaminess to the salad!
Can I add protein to this salad?
Definitely! This salad pairs well with grilled chicken, shrimp, or even chickpeas for a plant-based protein boost. It makes for a hearty meal while keeping everything fresh and bright.
Cranberry Apple Quinoa Salad: 7 Reasons to Love It
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A refreshing and nutritious salad featuring quinoa, cranberries, and apples.
Ingredients
- 1 cup quinoa
- 2 cups water
- 1 cup cranberries, dried
- 1 apple, diced
- 1/4 cup walnuts, chopped
- 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 2 tablespoons 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 and simmer for 15 minutes or until water is absorbed.
- Remove from heat and let it cool.
- In a large bowl, combine cooled quinoa, cranberries, apple, and walnuts.
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, apple cider vinegar, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently.
- Top with feta cheese before serving.
Notes
- Use fresh apples for better crunch.
- Can be served chilled or at room temperature.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing and boiling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
Keywords: cranberry apple quinoa salad
