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cranberry apple quinoa salad recipe - CRANBERRY APPLE QUINOA SALAD served in a white bowl overhead view
Chloe

CRANBERRY APPLE QUINOA SALAD

cranberry apple quinoa salad recipe made easy at home. A vibrant, protein-packed salad that perfectly balances sweet, tart, and crunchy textures in every bite
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Lunch
Cuisine: American
Calories: 350
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

Quinoa Base
  • 1 cup quinoa, rinsed white or tri-color
  • 2 cups water or vegetable broth for cooking quinoa
  • 1/4 tsp salt for cooking liquid
Salad Mix-Ins
  • 1 large crisp apple (like Honeycrisp or Fuji) diced into 1/2-inch pieces
  • 1/2 cup dried cranberries unsweetened or sweetened
  • 1/2 cup walnuts roughly chopped
  • 2 stalks celery finely diced
  • 1/2 cup fresh parsley finely chopped
Dressing
  • 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tbsp maple syrup or honey
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard
  • 1/4 tsp salt or to taste
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper freshly ground

Method
 

  1. In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed quinoa, water or broth, and salt. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes, or until the liquid is absorbed and the quinoa is fluffy. Remove from heat, fluff with a fork, and let it cool completely (spread on a baking sheet to speed up cooling).
  2. In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, maple syrup or honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until well combined and slightly emulsified.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled quinoa, diced apple, dried cranberries, chopped walnuts, diced celery, and chopped parsley. Toss gently to distribute ingredients evenly.
  4. Pour the dressing over the quinoa mixture. Toss thoroughly until everything is evenly coated. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt or pepper if needed. Serve immediately in bowls, or refrigerate for 30 minutes to let flavors meld.