Apple Cranberry Quinoa Salad Recipe

Introduction

This Apple Cranberry Quinoa Salad is a refreshing and nutritious dish that balances sweet, tangy, and nutty flavors. Perfect as a light lunch or a vibrant side, it combines wholesome quinoa with crisp apples, tart cranberries, and creamy goat cheese.

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup uncooked quinoa
• 1 cup low sodium vegetable or chicken broth
• 2 cups baby spinach, chopped
• 1 apple, diced
• 1/3 cup dried cranberries
• 1/4 cup sliced almonds
• 1/4 cup crumbled goat cheese
• 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 1 1/2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 2 teaspoons pure maple syrup
• 1/4 teaspoon dijon mustard
• Sea salt, to taste

Instructions

1. Step 1: Combine the quinoa and broth in a small pot. Bring to a boil, then cover and reduce the heat. Let it simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the quinoa has absorbed all the broth. Remove from heat and let sit, covered, for 5 minutes. Spread it out on a large plate or baking sheet to cool for a few minutes.
2. Step 2: While the quinoa cools, prepare the dressing by stirring or shaking together the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, maple syrup, dijon mustard, and sea salt in a bowl or small jar.
3. Step 3: In a large bowl, combine the cooled quinoa, chopped spinach, diced apple, dried cranberries, sliced almonds, and crumbled goat cheese. Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently until everything is well combined.

Tips & Variations

• For added protein, toss in some grilled chicken or chickpeas.
• Swap goat cheese with feta for a tangier flavor.
• Use fresh cranberries lightly sautéed if you prefer less sweetness.
• To make it vegan, omit the goat cheese or replace with a plant-based cheese alternative.

Storage

Store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the dressing separate if possible to maintain freshness. Reheat quinoa gently if desired, but this salad is best enjoyed chilled or at room temperature.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different grain instead of quinoa?

Yes, you can substitute quinoa with cooked couscous, bulgur, or farro for a different texture, keeping in mind that cooking times and liquid ratios will vary.

How do I prevent the apples from browning?

Toss the diced apples with a small amount of lemon juice before adding them to the salad to keep them fresh and vibrant.

Apple Cranberry Quinoa Salad Recipe

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4.4 from 137 reviews

A refreshing and healthy Apple Cranberry Quinoa Salad combining the nutty flavor of quinoa with sweet apples, tart dried cranberries, crunchy almonds, and creamy goat cheese, all tossed in a tangy maple cider vinaigrette. Perfect for a nutritious lunch or a light dinner.

• Author: Natalie
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Salad
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Low Fat

Ingredients

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Quinoa Base

• 1/2 cup uncooked quinoa
• 1 cup low sodium vegetable or chicken broth

Salad Mix

• 2 cups baby spinach, chopped
• 1 apple, diced
• 1/3 cup dried cranberries
• 1/4 cup sliced almonds
• 1/4 cup crumbled goat cheese

Dressing

• 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 1 1/2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 2 teaspoons pure maple syrup
• 1/4 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• Sea salt, to taste

Instructions

1. Cook the Quinoa: Combine the quinoa and low sodium broth in a small pot. Bring it to a boil, then cover and reduce the heat to a simmer. Cook for 15 minutes or until the quinoa has absorbed all the broth. Remove from heat and let it sit, covered, for 5 minutes. Then spread the quinoa out on a large plate or baking sheet to cool for a few minutes.
2. Prepare the Dressing: While the quinoa cools, mix all the dressing ingredients — extra virgin olive oil, apple cider vinegar, pure maple syrup, Dijon mustard, and sea salt — in a bowl or jar. Stir or shake well to combine.
3. Assemble the Salad: In a large bowl, combine the cooled quinoa, chopped spinach, diced apple, dried cranberries, sliced almonds, and crumbled goat cheese. Drizzle the prepared maple cider vinaigrette over the salad and toss gently until everything is well coated and mixed.

Notes

• For a vegan version, omit the goat cheese or substitute with a plant-based cheese alternative.
• Use low sodium broth to keep the salad light and heart-healthy.
• Allow the quinoa to cool completely before mixing to prevent wilting the spinach.
• This salad can be served immediately or chilled for an hour to let flavors meld.

Keywords: apple quinoa salad, cranberry quinoa salad, healthy quinoa recipes, spinach quinoa salad, fall salad recipes