If you’re looking for a salad that’s not just a side but a star, let me introduce you to my delightful cranberry apple quinoa salad! It’s a refreshing mix of sweet and tart flavors, thanks to the juicy apples and tangy cranberries, all nestled amongst fluffy quinoa. Not only does this salad burst with color and brightness, but it’s also packed with nutrients. Quinoa is a complete protein, making this dish a fantastic option for vegetarians or anyone wanting to eat healthier. Plus, it’s so versatile—serve it as a light lunch, a side at dinner, or even as part of your meal prep for the week. Trust me, you’re going to love how easy and tasty it is!
Ingredients
- 1 cup quinoa (rinsed)
- 2 cups water
- 1 cup cranberries (dried or fresh)
- 1 apple, diced (I love using a sweet variety like Honeycrisp)
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts (or pecans if you prefer)
- 1/4 cup feta cheese (crumbled for that creamy tang)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
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 everything comes together. Let’s dive into the steps!
Cooking the Quinoa
First things first, we need to cook the quinoa. Rinse 1 cup of quinoa under cold water to remove any bitterness—this step is super important! In a medium pot, combine the rinsed quinoa and 2 cups of water. Bring it to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover it up and let it simmer for about 15 minutes. After that, remove it from the heat and let it sit, covered, for another 5 minutes. This resting period helps the quinoa fluff up beautifully. Once it’s ready, fluff it with a fork and set it aside to cool completely.
Combining the Ingredients
While the quinoa cools, grab a large mixing bowl. Toss in your 1 cup of cranberries, the diced apple, chopped walnuts, and crumbled feta cheese. I like to mix the fruits and nuts first to get those flavors mingling. Once your quinoa is cool, gently fold it into the bowl with the other ingredients. This way, you keep that fluffy texture intact. Make sure everything is evenly mixed but don’t overdo it—just enough to combine!
Preparing the Dressing
Now, let’s whip up the dressing. In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar, and a pinch of salt and pepper. If you like a bit of sweetness, you can add a drizzle of honey to taste. Pour this delightful dressing over the salad and give it another gentle toss to ensure everything is well-coated. And voilà, your salad is ready to shine!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Loaded with nutrients, thanks to quinoa, apples, and cranberries.
- Deliciously balanced flavors that are both sweet and tart.
- Versatile for any occasion—great as a side dish, light lunch, or meal prep.
- Can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for quick snacking.
- Customizable! Feel free to add your favorite nuts or swap out the cheese.
- Beautifully colorful, making it a stunning addition to any table.
Tips for Success
To make your cranberry apple quinoa salad the absolute best it can be, here are some of my favorite tips. First off, don’t hesitate to play around with the ingredients! If you’re not a fan of feta, try goat cheese or even a vegan cheese option for a different twist. And if walnuts aren’t your thing, pecans or sliced almonds will add their own delightful crunch.
For a little extra flavor, consider adding a handful of fresh herbs like parsley or mint. They brighten the salad and add a fresh pop! You can also toss in some chopped celery or bell peppers for added crunch and nutrition.
When it comes to storage, this salad keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days, but keep in mind that the quinoa may soak up some of the dressing over time. If you want to keep it nice and fresh, you can store the dressing separately and add it just before serving. This way, every bite stays vibrant!
Lastly, if you’re preparing this salad for a gathering, try making a double batch! It disappears quickly, and trust me, everyone will be asking for the recipe!
Serving Suggestions
When it comes to enjoying my cranberry apple quinoa salad, the possibilities are endless! This salad is such a versatile dish that pairs beautifully with a variety of meals. Here are some of my favorite serving suggestions to elevate your dining experience.
- Grilled Chicken or Turkey: The light, fruity flavors of the salad complement grilled meats perfectly. A simple lemon herb grilled chicken can add that extra protein boost.
- Fish Tacos: If you’re in the mood for something fresh and zesty, serve it alongside some fish tacos. The crunchy salad contrasts wonderfully with the soft tortillas!
- Roasted Vegetables: Pair it with a platter of roasted seasonal veggies for a colorful and nutritious meal. The warm, earthy flavors work so well with the tartness of the salad.
- Wraps or Sandwiches: Use it as a side to your favorite wraps or sandwiches. It’s a great way to add some healthy crunch and flavor to your lunch.
- Soup: A warm bowl of butternut squash or tomato basil soup is a lovely complement. The creaminess of the soup balances the refreshing salad.
- Cheese Board: If you’re hosting, consider serving it on a cheese board with assorted cheeses, crackers, and some olives. It adds a delightful pop of color and flavor!
With these ideas, you’ll have a wonderful meal that’s not only satisfying but also bursting with flavors. Enjoy experimenting and finding your perfect pairings!
Nutritional Information
When it comes to enjoying my cranberry apple quinoa salad, you might be curious about its nutritional benefits! Each serving, which is about 1 cup, typically packs around 250 calories. Here’s a quick breakdown:
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
Keep in mind that these values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you choose, so consider this an estimate based on typical values. It’s always a good idea to check the labels if you’re tracking your intake closely. Enjoy your healthy and delicious salad!
FAQ Section
Can I make this cranberry apple quinoa salad ahead of time?
Absolutely! In fact, it tastes even better after the flavors have had some time to meld together. Just store it in the fridge for up to 3 days, but remember to keep the dressing separate if you want it to stay fresh and vibrant!
What can I use instead of quinoa?
If quinoa isn’t your thing, you can substitute it with couscous, farro, or even brown rice. Just keep in mind that the cooking times may vary, so check the package instructions to get it just right!
Can I add other fruits or veggies to the salad?
Definitely! This salad is so versatile. Feel free to toss in some diced cucumbers, bell peppers, or even some sliced grapes for added sweetness. The sky’s the limit when it comes to customizing this dish!
Is it okay to use fresh cranberries?
Yes, fresh cranberries can be used, but they have a tartness that might be a bit intense for some. If you prefer a sweeter touch, you can mix in a little honey or maple syrup to balance out that tartness!
How should I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. It should last for about 3 days. Just be aware that the quinoa might absorb some of the dressing over time, so you may want to add a touch more dressing before serving again!
Cranberry Apple Quinoa Salad: 7 Vibrant Reasons to Enjoy
- Temps Total: 35 minutes
- Rendement: 4 servings 1x
- Alimentation: Végétarien
Description
A refreshing salad featuring quinoa, cranberries, and apples.
Ingrédients
- 1 cup quinoa
- 2 cups water
- 1 cup cranberries
- 1 apple, diced
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts
- 1/4 cup feta cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Rinse the quinoa under cold water.
- In a pot, combine quinoa and water. 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, mix cranberries, apple, walnuts, and feta cheese.
- Add cooled quinoa to the bowl.
- In a small bowl, whisk olive oil, apple cider vinegar, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to combine.
Notes
- Use fresh cranberries for a tart flavor.
- Adjust the sweetness by adding honey if desired.
- This salad can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- 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 cup
- Calories: 250
- Sucre: 10g
- De Sodium: 50mg
- La graisse: 10g
- Graisses Saturées: 1g
- Les Graisses Insaturées: 8g
- Les Gras Trans: 0g
- Les hydrates de carbone: 35g
- La fibre: 5g
- La protéine: 8g
- Le taux de cholestérol: 5mg
Mots-clés: cranberry apple quinoa salad
