There’s just something magical about a healthy salad that can brighten your day, isn’t there? This *cranberry apple quinoa salad* is one of my absolute favorites. The crispness of the apples, the tartness of the cranberries, and the nutty quinoa come together in a delightful dance of flavors and textures! I remember the first time I made this for a picnic, and everyone couldn’t stop raving about it. Trust me, it’s not just a salad; it’s a refreshing explosion of taste that makes you feel good inside. Perfect for lunch, dinner, or even as a light snack—this dish is a winner every time!
Ingredients for Cranberry Apple Quinoa Salad
- 1 cup quinoa: This is the star of the show! Rinse it under cold water before cooking to remove any bitterness.
- 2 cups water: You’ll use this to cook the quinoa. It’s important to get the ratio just right for fluffy quinoa!
- 1 apple, diced: Choose your favorite variety—sweet or tart! I love using a crisp Granny Smith for a nice zing, but any apple will do.
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries: These add a lovely sweetness and a chewy texture that contrasts beautifully with the crunch of the apples.
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts: You can toast them lightly for an extra depth of flavor, but raw works just fine too!
- 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled: This adds a creamy, salty element that really elevates the salad. You can skip it for a vegan version!
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Use a good-quality extra virgin olive oil for the best taste.
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar: This brings a tangy brightness to the salad that pairs perfectly with the sweetness of the fruit.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Don’t forget to season! A little salt and pepper will enhance all those wonderful flavors.
How to Prepare the Cranberry Apple Quinoa Salad
Now that we’ve got our ingredients ready, let’s dive into how to whip up this delicious cranberry apple quinoa salad! I promise it’s as easy as 1-2-3, and you’ll have a nutritious meal in no time.
Preparing the Quinoa
First things first, let’s get that quinoa going! Start by rinsing 1 cup of quinoa under cold water. This step is super important because it washes away the saponins that can make it taste bitter. Once it’s rinsed, pop it into a pot with 2 cups of water. Bring it to a boil over medium-high heat. Once it’s bubbling away, reduce the heat to low, cover it with a lid, and let it simmer for about 15 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the quinoa is fluffy and the little spirals have popped out. Fluff it gently with a fork and let it cool for a bit while we prepare the other ingredients!
Combining the Salad Ingredients
In a large bowl, it’s time to bring all those fresh flavors together! Start with your cooled quinoa, then add in the diced apple, 1/2 cup of dried cranberries, 1/4 cup of chopped walnuts, and 1/4 cup of crumbled feta cheese. I like to mix the apples in last to keep them crunchy and vibrant. Give everything a gentle toss to combine—this salad is all about that color and texture!
Making the Dressing
Now, let’s create a simple yet delicious 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. This step is crucial because it brings all the flavors to life! Whisk it until it’s well combined and emulsified. You’ll want to taste it and adjust the seasoning if needed; a little more salt can really bring everything together!
Tossing the Salad
Finally, it’s time to combine everything! Pour your freshly whisked dressing over the salad ingredients in the large bowl. Gently toss everything together until the quinoa and veggies are well-coated. Be careful not to mash the feta too much; we want those lovely little chunks to stay intact. Now, you can serve it right away, or if you prefer, let it chill in the fridge for a bit to let those flavors mingle even more. Either way, you’re in for a treat!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Nutritious: Packed with protein, fiber, and vitamins, this salad is a powerhouse of health benefits!
- Quick to prepare: With just 30 minutes from start to finish, you can whip this up even on a busy weeknight.
- Flavorful: The combination of sweet apples, tart cranberries, and creamy feta creates a delightful burst of flavors in every bite.
- Versatile for meal prep: It keeps well in the fridge, making it perfect for meal prepping or as a make-ahead dish for gatherings.
- Customizable: Feel free to mix and match ingredients or dressings based on what you have on hand or your personal preferences!
Tips for Success
To ensure your cranberry apple quinoa salad turns out absolutely perfect, here are some of my favorite pro tips!
- Choose the right apples: I adore using Granny Smith apples for their tartness, but Honeycrisp or Fuji also work beautifully if you prefer something sweeter. The key is to select a variety that will complement the tart cranberries!
- Toast those walnuts: If you have a few extra minutes, toasting the walnuts can elevate their flavor significantly. Just pop them in a dry skillet over medium heat for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally until they’re fragrant. Yum!
- Make it ahead: This salad is perfect for meal prep! You can make it a day in advance and store it in the fridge. Just remember to keep the dressing separate if you want to maintain that fresh crunch of the apples.
- Storing leftovers: If you do have any leftovers (though I doubt it!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge. It should last for about 3 days. Just give it a good toss before serving again to freshen it up!
- Experiment with add-ins: Feel free to get creative! Try adding some diced avocado for creaminess, or a sprinkle of pomegranate seeds for extra color and flavor. The sky’s the limit!
Nutritional Information
Now, let’s talk about the health benefits packed into each serving of this delicious cranberry apple quinoa salad! Here’s an estimated breakdown of the nutritional information per serving:
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Sugar: 10g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 6g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Cholesterol: 5mg
Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use. But one thing’s for sure: you’re treating your body to a wholesome and satisfying meal with every bite!
FAQ Section
Got some questions about this tasty cranberry apple quinoa salad? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered! Here are some of the most common queries I get:
Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried?
Absolutely! Fresh cranberries will give a tart kick, but they’re firmer and less sweet than dried ones. If you go this route, consider adding a little honey or maple syrup to balance the tartness.
What if I don’t have quinoa?
No problem! You can substitute with other grains like farro, bulgur, or even brown rice. Just make sure to adjust the cooking times according to the grain you choose!
How long does this salad last in the fridge?
This salad keeps well in the fridge for about 3 days. Just be sure to store it in an airtight container. If you want to keep the apples from browning, you can toss them in a little lemon juice before adding them to the salad.
Can I make this salad vegan?
Definitely! Simply omit the feta cheese, and you’ll have a delicious vegan salad. You might even want to add some avocado for creaminess instead!
Is this salad good for meal prep?
Yes, it’s fantastic for meal prep! You can make it in advance and portion it out for lunches throughout the week. Just keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to enjoy for the best flavor and texture!
Serving Suggestions
Now that you’ve got this vibrant cranberry apple quinoa salad ready to go, let’s talk about what to serve it with to make a complete meal! Trust me, this salad is so versatile, it pairs beautifully with a variety of dishes!
- Grilled Chicken: A juicy grilled chicken breast adds a lovely protein boost and complements the salad’s fresh flavors. You can marinate the chicken in some lemon juice and herbs for extra zing!
- Roasted Vegetables: Serve it alongside a medley of roasted veggies like sweet potatoes, bell peppers, and zucchini. The caramelized sweetness of the vegetables pairs wonderfully with the salad.
- Fish Tacos: If you’re feeling adventurous, try it with some fish tacos! The crispness of the salad will balance the richness of the fish perfectly.
- Stuffed Peppers: For a vegetarian option, consider making stuffed bell peppers filled with quinoa and black beans. They make a hearty companion to the salad!
- Soup: A warm bowl of butternut squash or tomato basil soup makes a comforting side that contrasts nicely with the cool, crisp salad.
Whatever you choose to pair with your cranberry apple quinoa salad, you can’t go wrong! Each bite will be a celebration of flavors and textures that’s sure to satisfy your taste buds.
Print
Cranberry Apple Quinoa Salad: 5 Reasons to Love It
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A healthy and refreshing salad combining cranberries, apples, and quinoa.
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
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon 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 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 dressing over salad and toss to combine.
- Serve immediately or refrigerate for later.
Notes
- Use any apple variety you prefer.
- For a vegan option, omit feta cheese.
- This salad can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
Keywords: cranberry apple quinoa salad
