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Quinoa Apple Salad

Quinoa Apple Salad: A Colorful Treat for Healthy Cravings

Quinoa Apple Salad is a vibrant and nutritious dish, perfect for healthy cravings, featuring quinoa, apples, and cranberries.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Cooling Time 5 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Appetizers
Cuisine: Healthy
Calories: 280

Ingredients
  

For the Salad
  • 1 cup Quinoa Rinse thoroughly to remove saponin's bitterness
  • 1 cup Dried Cranberries Can be replaced with raisins or chopped dried cherries
  • 1 medium Apple (Gala, Honeycrisp, or Fuji preferred) Substitute with Granny Smith for a tart contrast
  • 1 cup Celery Contributes crunchiness; omit or replace with diced cucumber
  • ¼ cup Fresh Parsley Replace with mint or basil for a different herbal note
  • ½ cup Candied Walnuts Use toasted nuts or sunflower seeds for a nut-free option
For the Vinaigrette
  • ¼ cup Olive Oil Can substitute with avocado oil
  • 2 tbsp Maple Syrup Honey or agave syrup can be alternatives
  • 1 tbsp Dijon Mustard Yellow mustard can work as a substitute
  • 2 tbsp Apple Cider Vinegar White wine vinegar can also be used
  • 1 clove Garlic Optional for those who prefer a milder taste
  • 1 pinch Allspice Can be replaced with cinnamon
  • Salt and Pepper Enhance overall flavor; adjust to taste

Equipment

  • Fine-mesh strainer
  • Saucepan
  • Mixing bowl
  • Whisk

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Begin by rinsing quinoa under cold running water in a fine-mesh strainer. In a saucepan, combine with vegetable broth. Bring to a rolling boil, reduce to low, cover and simmer for 15 minutes until liquid is absorbed. Fluff with a fork.
  2. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, maple syrup, Dijon mustard, and apple cider vinegar. Add minced garlic, a pinch of allspice, and salt and pepper to taste. Whisk until emulsified.
  3. Once the quinoa has cooled for about 5 minutes, transfer it to a large mixing bowl. Add diced apple, diced celery, chopped parsley, and candied walnuts. Stir gently to incorporate all ingredients.
  4. Pour the prepared vinaigrette over the quinoa apple mixture. Toss gently to coat all ingredients with the dressing. Serve immediately or chill for 30 minutes for flavors to meld.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cupCalories: 280kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 8gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 7gSodium: 180mgPotassium: 320mgFiber: 6gSugar: 10gVitamin A: 4IUVitamin C: 12mgCalcium: 2mgIron: 10mg

Notes

Always rinse quinoa properly, allow it to cool before mixing with other ingredients, and taste the vinaigrette before dressing the salad for balanced flavor.

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