Description
This Cranberry Apple Quinoa Salad combines fluffy quinoa, crisp apples, sweet dried cranberries, fresh parsley, and optional sliced almonds with a delicious homemade honey Dijon dressing. A colorful and refreshing salad for lunch, dinner, and gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup quinoa (rinsed)
- 2 cups water
- 1 large apple (diced)
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley (chopped)
- 1/4 cup sliced almonds (optional)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
Instructions
- Rinse the quinoa thoroughly under cool running water using a fine-mesh strainer.
- Transfer the quinoa to a medium saucepan and add 2 cups of water. Bring to a boil, reduce the heat, cover, and simmer until the water is absorbed and the quinoa is tender.
- Remove from the heat, let the quinoa rest briefly, and fluff with a fork. Allow it to cool.
- Dice the apple into bite-sized pieces and chop the fresh parsley.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until combined.
- Add the cooled quinoa, diced apple, dried cranberries, chopped parsley, and optional sliced almonds to a large mixing bowl.
- Pour the dressing over the salad and gently toss until everything is evenly coated.
- Taste and adjust the salt and pepper as needed. Serve immediately or refrigerate briefly before serving.
Notes
- Sliced almonds are optional and can be omitted if desired.
- Allow the quinoa to cool completely before combining it with the apple and parsley.
- For make-ahead preparation, store the cooked quinoa and dressing separately and add the diced apple shortly before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Recipes
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 235 kcal
- Sugar: 12 g
- Sodium: 105 g
- Fat: 9 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 36 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
Keywords: Cranberry Apple Quinoa Salad, apple quinoa salad, cranberry quinoa salad, easy quinoa salad, quinoa side dish