Let me tell you, this cranberry apple quinoa salad is like a party in your mouth! It’s bursting with vibrant flavors that make every bite a delightful experience. The combination of sweet, crisp apples and tangy cranberries paired with the nutty quinoa creates a fresh, healthy dish that’s super easy to whip up. Whether you’re looking for a quick lunch, a side for dinner, or a potluck showstopper, this salad has got you covered. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be making it all the time! It’s not just a salad; it’s a celebration of goodness on your plate!
Ingredients for Cranberry Apple Quinoa Salad
Gather these fresh ingredients to create your delicious cranberry apple quinoa salad. Trust me, having everything prepped and ready makes the process so much smoother!
- 1 cup quinoa (rinsed and drained)
- 2 cups water
- 1 apple, diced (I love using crisp varieties like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith for that perfect crunch!)
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries (these add a chewy sweetness that’s just heavenly)
- 1/4 cup walnuts, chopped (feel free to swap in your favorite nuts if you like!)
- 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled (optional, but it adds a lovely creaminess)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (extra virgin is my go-to for the best flavor)
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (this brings in a tangy brightness)
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Now that you’ve got your ingredients lined up, it’s time to let the magic happen!
How to Prepare Cranberry Apple Quinoa Salad
Getting your cranberry apple quinoa salad ready is a breeze! Just follow these steps, and you’ll have a delicious dish in no time. First, let’s cook that quinoa to perfection!
Cooking the Quinoa
Start by rinsing the quinoa under cold water to remove any bitterness. Then, combine it with 2 cups of water in a pot and bring it to a boil. Once it’s boiling, reduce the heat, cover it, and let it simmer for about 15 minutes. After that, remove it from the heat and let it rest for 5 minutes. This step is crucial for fluffy quinoa! Fluff it with a fork and let it cool while you prep the other ingredients.
Mixing the Salad Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine your diced apple, dried cranberries, chopped walnuts, and feta cheese. The colors and textures here are just stunning! Once the quinoa has cooled, gently fold it into the bowl with the other ingredients. This way, you’ll get all those delightful flavors mixed together beautifully without mashing everything up.
Making the Dressing
For the dressing, whisk together the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Feel free to taste and adjust the seasoning to your liking—maybe a pinch more salt or a dash more vinegar? Once it’s ready, pour that zesty goodness over the salad and toss everything well to ensure every bite is packed with flavor. And voilà! Your salad is ready to be enjoyed!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to prepare—perfect for those busy weeknights!
- Health-packed ingredients that are both nutritious and satisfying.
- A delightful burst of flavors that keeps your taste buds dancing!
- Great for meal prep—make a big batch and enjoy it throughout the week.
- Versatile—add your favorite nuts or fruits for a personal touch.
- Beautifully colorful, making it a feast for the eyes as well as the palate!
Tips for Success
To make sure your cranberry apple quinoa salad turns out perfectly every time, here are some pro tips that I swear by:
- Rinse the quinoa well: This step is crucial! Rinsing helps remove the saponins that can give quinoa a bitter taste. Don’t skip it—your salad will thank you!
- Perfectly cooked quinoa: Keep an eye on your quinoa while it’s cooking. Once it’s simmering, resist the urge to lift the lid too often, as that can let out steam and affect cooking time. You want that fluffy texture!
- Chill before mixing: Letting the quinoa cool before mixing it with other ingredients prevents wilting and keeps everything fresh and crisp. It also allows flavors to meld beautifully.
- Get creative with add-ins: Don’t be afraid to play with flavors! Toss in some diced pears, pomegranate seeds, or even a handful of spinach for extra color and nutrients. The possibilities are endless!
- Adjust the dressing: If you like a bit more zing, a splash of lemon juice can brighten things up even more. Taste as you go to find your perfect balance!
With these tips in your back pocket, you’re ready to create an amazing salad that’s bound to impress!
Nutritional Information
Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown for each serving of this delicious cranberry apple quinoa salad. Keep in mind these values are approximate and can vary based on exact ingredients and portion sizes.
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
- Sodium: 50mg
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 5g
- Sugar: 10g
- Protein: 7g
This salad is not just a feast for the senses, but also a wholesome addition to your diet. Enjoy all the vibrant flavors while knowing you’re fueling your body with good-for-you ingredients!
FAQ Section
Can I make this cranberry apple quinoa salad ahead of time?
Absolutely! This salad actually tastes even better after a few hours in the fridge as the flavors meld together beautifully. Just keep it stored in an airtight container, and you’re good to go!
Is this salad gluten-free?
Yes! Quinoa is naturally gluten-free, making this salad a great option for anyone avoiding gluten. Just double-check that your other ingredients, like the feta cheese, are also gluten-free if that’s a concern.
Can I substitute other fruits in this salad?
Definitely! Feel free to swap in your favorite fruits. Pears, pomegranate seeds, or even citrus segments would add a lovely twist. Just aim for a balance of sweet and tart flavors for the best result!
How long does this salad last in the fridge?
Your cranberry apple quinoa salad will stay fresh for about 3-5 days in the refrigerator. Just give it a good stir before serving to redistribute the dressing and flavors.
Can I make this salad vegan?
Yes, it’s already vegan without the feta! If you’re looking for a creamy touch, you can try adding some avocado or a vegan cheese alternative. Enjoy the refreshing flavors guilt-free!
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 fridge. It’ll stay fresh for about 3-5 days, which is perfect for meal prep or quick lunches throughout the week. Just remember to give it a good stir before serving to redistribute that delicious dressing and flavors!
As for reheating, you don’t actually need to heat this salad! I love serving it chilled or at room temperature, as the flavors are just so vibrant that way. But if you prefer a warm dish, you can gently warm the quinoa in the microwave for about 30 seconds to a minute. Just be careful not to overheat it, as you want to maintain that fresh crunch of the apples and the texture of the cranberries. Enjoy every bite, no matter how you choose to serve it!
Imprimer
Cranberry Apple Quinoa Salad: 7 Flavors That Dazzle
- Temps Total: 35 minutes
- Rendement: 4 servings 1x
- Alimentation: Vegan
Description
Cranberry apple quinoa salad is a delightful burst of flavors.
Ingrédients
- 1 cup quinoa
- 2 cups water
- 1 apple, diced
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1/4 cup walnuts, chopped
- 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Rinse the quinoa under cold water.
- Combine quinoa and water in a pot. 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 and let it cool.
- In a large bowl, combine diced apple, dried cranberries, walnuts, and feta cheese.
- Add cooled quinoa to the bowl.
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, apple cider vinegar, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the dressing over the salad and mix well.
- Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Notes
- This salad can be made ahead of time.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator.
- Feel free to add other fruits or nuts.
- Temps De Préparation: 15 minutes
- Temps De Cuisson: 20 minutes
- Catégorie: Salad
- Méthode: Mixing and boiling
- Cuisine: American
La Nutrition
- Taille D'Une Portion: 1 serving
- Calories: 250
- Sucre: 10g
- De Sodium: 50mg
- La graisse: 10g
- Graisses Saturées: 1g
- Les Graisses Insaturées: 9g
- Les Gras Trans: 0g
- Les hydrates de carbone: 35g
- La fibre: 5g
- La protéine: 7g
- Le taux de cholestérol: 5mg
Mots-clés: cranberry apple quinoa salad
