Description
Discover a delicious Apple Cranberry Quinoa Salad recipe that combines sweet and savory flavors for a wholesome and satisfying meal. Perfect for a healthy lunch or side dish.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) uncooked quinoa
- 1 cup (240 ml) low sodium vegetable or beef broth
- 2 cups (480 ml) baby spinach, chopped
- 1 apple, diced
- 1/3 cup (80 ml) dried cranberries
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) sliced almonds
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) crumbled goat cheese
- 3 tablespoons (45 ml) extra virgin olive oil
- 1 1/2 tablespoons (22.5 ml) apple cider vinegar
- 2 teaspoons (10 ml) pure maple syrup
- 1/4 teaspoon (1.25 ml) mustard
- sea salt, to taste
Instructions
- Place the quinoa and broth into a small saucepan. Heat until boiling, then cover, lower the heat, and let it gently cook for 15 minutes until the quinoa has absorbed all the liquid. Take it off the heat and allow it to rest, covered, for 5 minutes. Spread it on a large plate or baking sheet to cool slightly.
- Meanwhile, as the quinoa cools, prepare the dressing. In a bowl or a small jar, mix or shake all the dressing ingredients together. Add sea salt according to your taste.
- In a big bowl, mix the quinoa, spinach, apple, dried cranberries, almonds, and goat cheese. Pour the maple cider vinaigrette over it and toss everything together until well combined.
Notes
- Toast the sliced almonds in a dry skillet for enhanced flavor and texture.
- Substitute feta cheese for goat cheese for a different taste experience.
- Consider adding grilled chicken or chickpeas for added protein to turn it into a full meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Calories: 400
- Fat: 10g
- Protein: 15g
Keywords: quinoa salad, apple spinach, maple vinaigrette, healthy lunch, vegetarian recipe
