Description
A vibrant and healthy salad featuring tart cranberries, sweet apples, and protein-packed quinoa, perfect for autumn gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup quinoa
- 1 large apple (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
- 1 cup fresh cranberries (or dried cranberries)
- 1/2 cup pecans or walnuts
- 1/4 cup fresh herbs (parsley or mint)
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar (or lemon juice)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Rinse the quinoa under cold water for about a minute.
- In a saucepan, combine quinoa with 2 cups of water and a pinch of salt. Bring to boil, reduce heat, and cover. Simmer for about 15 minutes until water is absorbed. Fluff with a fork and let cool.
- While quinoa cooks, chop the apple and cranberries.
- Toast the nuts in a skillet over medium heat for 3-5 minutes until fragrant.
- In a large bowl, mix cooled quinoa, chopped apple, cranberries, and toasted nuts. Add fresh herbs.
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, apple cider vinegar, and seasoning.
- Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently. Adjust seasoning if necessary.
- Serve immediately or chill before serving.
Notes
For added flavor, consider adding feta cheese or pomegranate seeds.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: quinoa salad, cranberry salad, autumn recipes, healthy salad