Apple Cranberry Quinoa Salad Recipe
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.
- 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
Scale
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
Find it online: https://nataliereeve.com/apple-cranberry-quinoa-salad-recipe/
