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–+ servings
Cranberry Apple Quinoa Salad

Colorful Cranberry Apple Quinoa Salad for a Healthy Boost

A vibrant and nutritious Cranberry Apple Quinoa Salad ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for any occasion.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Chilling Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Salad
Cuisine: Vegetarian
Calories: 250
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Base
  • 1 cup Quinoa Rinse before cooking to remove bitterness.
  • 2 cups Water
For the Salad
  • 1 medium Apple Best with firm varieties like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith.
  • 1 cup Dried Cranberries Can be replaced with dried cherries or raisins.
  • 1/2 cup Fresh Parsley Consider cilantro or mint as substitutes.
  • 1/4 cup Sliced Almonds Swap with toasted walnuts or sunflower seeds if desired.
For the Dressing
  • 1/4 cup Olive Oil Rich base for the dressing.
  • 2 tablespoons Apple Cider Vinegar Provides zesty acidity.
  • 1 tablespoon Honey Substitute with agave syrup for a vegan option.
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon Mustard Optional.
  • Salt and Pepper Essential seasonings; adjust to taste.

Equipment

  • Medium saucepan
  • Small mixing bowl
  • large mixing bowl

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. In a medium saucepan, combine 1 cup of rinsed quinoa with 2 cups of water. Bring it to a vigorous boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and let it simmer for about 15 minutes until fluffy. Allow to cool completely.
  2. In a small mixing bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup of olive oil, 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar, 1 tablespoon of honey, and 1 teaspoon of Dijon mustard if using. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, gently fold together the cooled quinoa, diced apple, dried cranberries, chopped parsley, and sliced almonds.
  4. Refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Serve the salad cold or at room temperature.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 250kcalCarbohydrates: 40gProtein: 6gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gSodium: 150mgPotassium: 300mgFiber: 5gSugar: 10gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 30mgIron: 1mg

Notes

Allow the quinoa to cool completely before mixing. Adjust dressing ingredients to fit your preferences. Toast sliced almonds for enhanced flavor. Prepare a day in advance for optimal flavor.

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