Quinoa Apple Salad Recipe

Introduction

This easy 15-minute apple quinoa salad recipe is a perfect blend of sweet and savory for a quick, healthy meal. It combines crisp apples, fluffy quinoa, and a tangy dressing for a refreshing dish that’s ideal for lunch or a light dinner. For another simple, fruity treat, try these Cranberry Lemon Bars Recipe.

Ingredients

This easy quinoa apple salad comes together with a vibrant mix of textures and flavors—tender quinoa, crisp apple, chewy cranberries, and a sweet-tangy dressing with a hint of warm spice.

• 1 1/2 cups vegetable broth
• 3/4 cup tricolor quinoa, (rinsed)
• 1/2 cup dried cranberries
• 1 gala apple, (diced into 1/4 inch cubes)
• 1/4 cup celery, (diced into 1/4 inch cubes)
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, (chopped)
• 1/4 cup candied walnuts (or plain walnuts)
• 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 1 teaspoon maple syrup (or honey)
• 1 tablespoon dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 1 garlic clove, (minced)
• 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
• 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Timing

Prep Time	10 minutes
Cook Time	5 minutes
Total Time	15 minutes

Context: This 15 Minute Apple Quinoa Salad is about 25% faster than most similar quinoa salad recipes, which often require cooling time for the grain.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1 — Cook the Quinoa

Rinse 1 cup of quinoa under cold water in a fine-mesh strainer to remove its natural bitter coating. Combine it in a saucepan with 2 cups of water or broth, bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 12-15 minutes. The quinoa is done when the liquid is absorbed and the little tails (germs) have spiraled out.

Step 2 — Prepare the Dressing

While the quinoa cooks, whisk together the dressing. In a small bowl, combine ¼ cup olive oil, 3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar, 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup, 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Whisk vigorously until the mixture is fully emulsified and smooth.

Step 3 — Chop the Apples & Vegetables

Core and dice 2 crisp apples (like Honeycrisp or Fuji) into ½-inch pieces. For extra crunch and to prevent browning, you can toss the diced apple with a squeeze of lemon juice. Finely chop ½ a red onion and 1 large celery stalk.

Step 4 — Fluff & Cool the Quinoa

Once the quinoa is cooked, remove it from the heat and fluff it immediately with a fork. Spread it out on a baking sheet or large plate to cool for 5 minutes. This stops the cooking process and prevents the salad from becoming gummy, ensuring a light and fluffy texture.

Step 5 — Combine Main Ingredients

Transfer the slightly cooled quinoa to a large mixing bowl. Add the diced apples, chopped red onion, celery, and ½ cup of toasted walnuts or pecans. For added freshness, mix in ¼ cup of chopped parsley or dried cranberries.

Step 6 — Dress and Toss the Salad

Pour the prepared dressing over the quinoa apple salad mixture. Using a large spoon or spatula, gently toss everything together until all ingredients are evenly and thoroughly coated with the dressing.

Step 7 — Season and Serve

Taste your Easy Quinoa Apple Salad and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or a splash of vinegar if needed. For best flavor, let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow the ingredients to meld. Serve immediately or chill for later.

Nutritional Information

Calories	~320 kcal
Protein	~8 g
Carbohydrates	~55 g
Fat	~9 g
Fiber	~7 g
Sodium	~180 mg

Note: Estimates are for one serving of this 15 Minute Apple Quinoa Salad and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.

Healthier Alternatives

This versatile 15 Minute Apple Quinoa Salad is easy to customize for different dietary needs and flavor preferences. Here are some practical swaps to make it your own.

• Protein Alternative — Swap the pecans for roasted chickpeas or shredded chicken to boost protein and create a more filling meal.
• Lower-Carb Option — Replace the quinoa with finely chopped cauliflower rice for a grain-free, lower-carb version of this easy quinoa apple salad.
• Dairy-Free Version — Use a simple lemon-tahini dressing or a dairy-free yogurt instead of Greek yogurt to keep the salad creamy without dairy.
• Gluten-Free Assurance — This salad is naturally gluten-free; just double-check that your quinoa is certified gluten-free if you have a severe sensitivity.
• Low-Sodium Twist — Omit added salt and use fresh herbs like dill or mint, plus a squeeze of citrus, to build flavor without sodium.
• Nut-Free Swap — Replace the pecans with toasted sunflower or pumpkin seeds for a satisfying crunch that’s safe for allergies.
• Sweetness Variation — For a less sweet profile, use a crisp, tart apple like Granny Smith instead of a sweeter variety like Honeycrisp.
• Vinegar Change-Up — Swap apple cider vinegar for white wine vinegar or a splash of orange juice to subtly alter the dressing’s acidity.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair this 15 Minute Apple Quinoa Salad with a simple grilled chicken breast or flaky baked salmon for a complete, protein-packed meal.
• Serve it as a vibrant, make-ahead side dish for a casual autumn picnic or a Thanksgiving potluck.
• For a heartier lunch, pack it in a container with a handful of arugula or spinach to serve over greens.
• Transform it into a wrap or pita pocket filling by adding a smear of hummus or goat cheese for extra creaminess.
• For elegant plating, use a round mold or a small bowl to create a neat, layered tower of the Easy Quinoa Apple Salad on a plate.
• Garnish with extra fresh herbs, a sprinkle of toasted nuts, or pomegranate arils just before serving to add color and crunch.

This versatile salad is perfect for a quick weekday lunch or a last-minute addition to a dinner party spread.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Mistake: Using pre-cooked quinoa from the fridge without fluffing it first. Fix: Always fluff cold quinoa with a fork to separate the grains and prevent a dense, clumpy salad.
• Mistake: Dicing the apple too early, causing it to brown and lose its crisp texture. Fix: Chop the apple just before assembling the salad, or toss the pieces with a little lemon juice from the dressing.
• Mistake: Drowning the salad in a heavy, oily dressing that masks the fresh flavors. Fix: Whisk your vinaigrette well and add it gradually, tossing to coat lightly—you can always add more.
• Mistake: Overcooking the quinoa until it’s mushy, ruining the salad’s pleasant chew. Fix: Follow a 1:2 quinoa-to-water ratio and cook just until the germ ring is visible and the liquid is absorbed.
• Mistake: Skipping the crucial step of toasting the uncooked quinoa in a dry pan. Fix: Toasting for 3-5 minutes enhances a nutty flavor that perfectly complements the sweet apple.
• Mistake: Using only one type of apple, which can make the flavor profile one-dimensional. Fix: Combine a sweet variety (like Fuji) with a tart one (like Granny Smith) for a more complex taste.
• Mistake: Adding nuts or seeds without toasting them first, resulting in a bland, soft crunch. Fix: Lightly toast walnuts or pepitas in a dry skillet to unlock their aroma and add a superior texture.
• Mistake: Serving the salad immediately while the quinoa is still warm, wilting the greens. Fix: Let the quinoa cool to at least room temperature before mixing with delicate ingredients like spinach or arugula.
• Mistake: Forgetting to season the cooking water for the quinoa, leaving it tasting bland. Fix: Always add a pinch of salt to the cooking water—it seasons the grains from the inside out.

Storing Tips

• Fridge: Store your 15 Minute Apple Quinoa Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For best texture, keep any nuts or seeds separate and add them just before serving.
• Freezer: Freezing is not recommended for this easy quinoa apple salad, as the fresh apple and cucumber will become mushy and watery upon thawing.
• Reheat: This salad is best served cold. If you prefer it slightly warmed, gently reheat a portion in the microwave for 30-60 seconds, stirring halfway, until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Always use clean utensils to serve, and discard any salad that has been left at room temperature for more than 2 hours to ensure food safety.

Conclusion

This 15 Minute Apple Quinoa Salad is the perfect blend of sweet, savory, and satisfying. It’s an easy quinoa apple salad that proves healthy eating can be deliciously simple. If you loved this one, try our Kale Quinoa Salad With Lemon Dressing Recipe next. Give this recipe a try and let us know what you think in the comments!

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Quinoa Apple Salad

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• Author: Olivia Bennett

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 1/2 cups vegetable broth
• 3/4 cup tricolor quinoa, (rinsed)
• 1/2 cup dried cranberries
• 1 gala apple, (diced into 1/4 inch cubes)
• 1/4 cup celery, (diced into 1/4 inch cubes)
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, (chopped)
• 1/4 cup candied walnuts
• 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 1 teaspoon maple syrup
• 1 tablespoon dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 1 garlic clove, (minced)
• 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
• 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

1. Bring the vegetable broth and rinsed quinoa to a boil in a medium-sized saucepan. Add the cranberries, cover, and remove from heat. Let stand for 15 minutes, then fluff with a fork. Transfer to a large salad bowl.
2. While the quinoa is cooking, whisk together the olive oil, maple syrup, dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, minced garlic, ground allspice, salt, and pepper.
3. In the bowl with the quinoa, mix in the maple dijon vinaigrette. Then mix in the diced apple, celery, parsley, and candied walnuts. Serve hot, room temperature, or cold. I love to serve it with Air Fryer Tofu or Air Fryer Chicken!

FAQs

Can I make this 15 Minute Apple Quinoa Salad ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare this salad ahead of time. For the best texture, combine the quinoa and dressing, then add the fresh apple and nuts just before serving to keep them crisp. This Easy Quinoa Apple Salad stores well in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

What type of apple is best for this quinoa salad?

Use a firm, crisp, and slightly sweet apple like Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Gala. These varieties hold their shape and provide a pleasant crunch that complements the soft quinoa. Avoid very soft apples as they can become mushy quickly.

Can I use a different grain instead of quinoa?

Absolutely. For a similar texture, you can substitute cooked couscous, bulgur wheat, or farro. Adjust the cooking time according to the grain you choose. The sweet and savory flavors of this 15 Minute Apple Quinoa Salad work well with many whole grains.