Apple Walnut Quinoa Salad

Apple Walnut Quinoa Salad

6 servings
This is the perfect salad for fall! Enjoy it for lunch, dinner, or serve it as a side dish for Thanksgiving.

Ingredients

  • 1/3 cup olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon pure maple syrup
  • 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
  • 1 clove garlic

    minced

  • Kosher salt and black pepper
    to taste
  • 3 cups fresh spinach leaves
  • 2 cups cooked quinoa
  • 1 1/2 cups chopped apples)

    (Honeycrisp, Gala, or Fuji are my favorite

  • 1/3 cup dried cranberries
  • 1/3 cup crumbled goat cheese)

    (can use feta cheese

  • 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
  • Kosher salt and black pepper
    to taste

Directions

  1. 1

    First, make the maple mustard dressing. In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, maple syrup, mustard, garlic, salt, and pepper. Set aside.

  2. 2

    In a large bowl, add the spinach, cooked quinoa, apples, dried cranberries, goat cheese, and walnuts. Toss until salad is combined. Season with salt and black pepper, to taste.

  3. 3

    Drizzle with dressing and toss again. Serve and enjoy!

Apple Walnut Quinoa Salad

Apple Walnut Quinoa Salad

4.8(82)15 min6 servings

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Ratings & Reviews

0.0/ 5
Exceptional

Based on 82 ratings

twopeasandtheirpod.com
4.8(82 reviews)
View original recipe

Rating Breakdown

About this Recipe

Looking for a refreshing yet hearty dish perfect for autumn gatherings or a satisfying weeknight meal? This Apple Walnut Quinoa Salad brings together the best flavors of the season in just 15 minutes of prep time.

What makes this salad truly shine is its harmonious blend of textures and tastes: crisp apples, crunchy walnuts, chewy cranberries, and tender quinoa, all tossed in a bright, tangy-sweet dressing. It's a vibrant dish that comes together quickly, making it an ideal choice for busy schedules or a last-minute contribution to a potluck.

Prepare for a burst of flavor in every forkful. You'll experience the juicy sweetness of chopped apples (like Honeycrisp, Gala, or Fuji), the earthy crunch of walnuts, and the tangy chewiness of dried cranberries. These delightful textures are complemented by the creamy, savory notes of crumbled goat cheese and the fluffy, wholesome quinoa base.

The salad is brought to life with a zesty dressing made from olive oil, fresh lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, a hint of pure maple syrup, and Dijon mustard, all brightened with minced garlic. The fresh spinach leaves provide a vibrant, leafy foundation, making for a truly satisfying and balanced dish that’s both light and filling.

This Apple Walnut Quinoa Salad is wonderfully adaptable to your preferences. If goat cheese isn't your favorite, feel free to swap it for crumbled feta cheese for a different savory tang. While the recipe calls for specific apple varieties, use your favorite crisp, sweet apple for the best results. You could also experiment with adding other dried fruits if you like.

Enjoy this versatile salad as a light yet fulfilling lunch, a vibrant side dish for dinner, or elevate your holiday table by serving it alongside your Thanksgiving feast. It's designed to impress with its fresh flavors and beautiful presentation, yielding 6 generous servings.

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