Introduction to Cranberry Apple Quinoa Salad
I know how valuable time can be when you are a busy mom and trying to get everything done, including meal prepping for the week. Today I am sharing one of my favorites – Cranberry Apple Quinoa Salad. It isn’t just a salad but more refreshing with so much flavor and good stuff in there. So perfect for those busy days when you want something yummy but healthy to the rescue. Believe me, the people around you will be impressed no matter whether you hurriedly offered it for lunch or with dinner as a side dish.
Why You’ll Love This Cranberry Apple Quinoa Salad
You’ll absolutely adore this Cranberry Apple Quinoa Salad because it’s wonderfully easy and quick to prepare. In just 30 minutes, you’ll have a vibrant dish that dazzles both the eyes and taste buds. The sweet tartness of the apples and cranberries complements the earthy quinoa and robust kale beautifully. Plus, it’s a guilt-free way to satisfy both your cravings and your hunger, making it perfect for busy weeknights!
Ingredients for Cranberry Apple Quinoa Salad
When it comes to whipping up this Cranberry Apple Quinoa Salad, each ingredient plays a crucial role in creating that delightful balance of flavors and textures. Below, I’ve highlighted what you’ll need to make this wholesome dish:
- Water or low-sodium vegetable broth: This not only cooks the quinoa but also adds a subtle depth of flavor.
- Tricolor quinoa: Swirls of red, white, and black quinoa bring both nutrition and visual appeal. Plus, it’s gluten-free!
- Dried cranberries: These little gems lend a sweet-tart burst to each bite, perfectly balancing the salad.
- Apples: Granny Smith adds a nice crunch and tartness, while Honeycrisp offers sweetness. Use your favorite variety!
- Curly kale: Packed with nutrients, massaging this leafy green softens it and makes it easier to digest.
- Kosher salt: Essential for enhancing the flavors; it’s the magic ingredient that brings everything together!
- Red onion: A touch of sharpness, thinly sliced, elevates the entire dish and adds a pop of color.
- Toasted pecans: These crunchy morsels add a nutty flavor and healthy fats. Don’t fret—if you’re nut-free, you can skip this!
- Feta cheese: The creamy, tangy crumbles kick things up a notch, but you can leave it out for a dairy-free version.
- Dijon mustard: Adds a zingy depth to the dressing—like a secret hug in every bite.
- Extra-virgin olive oil: A drizzle of this golden oil not only enhances flavor but also provides healthy fats.
- Honey: A touch of natural sweetness to round out the dressing. For a vegan alternative, agave works just as well.
- Lemon juice: The zing of fresh lemon juice brightens everything up—think of it as sunshine in a bowl!
- Crushed red pepper flakes: Just a pinch adds warmth and a touch of heat. Adjust to your spice preference!
- Freshly ground black pepper & salt: Essential seasonings to balance everything. Always taste and adjust as needed!
You can find the precise measurements for each ingredient at the bottom of the article, ready for easy printing. Let’s get to cooking!
How to Make Cranberry Apple Quinoa Salad
Now that we’ve gathered our ingredients, it’s time to bring this Cranberry Apple Quinoa Salad to life! Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a bright, nutritious dish ready in no time.
Cooking the Quinoa
To kick things off, bring your water or low-sodium vegetable broth to a boil in a medium saucepan over high heat.
Add the rinsed quinoa, then reduce the heat to medium. Cover the pot and let it simmer for about 15 minutes. This is when the quinoa absorbs all that tasty liquid.
When it’s done, remove it from the heat and fluff it with a fork. Sprinkle the dried cranberries on top. Cover it again and let them steam for about 5 minutes. This little step is like a cozy hug for the cranberries!
Preparing the Kale
Next, take the curly kale and place it in a large bowl. Here comes the fun part: sprinkle in some kosher salt and massage the kale for about a minute.
Yes, you heard me right! Massaging the kale helps it become softer and makes it easier to enjoy. Plus, it shrinks in volume, which is kind of magical!
Mixing in Additional Ingredients
Now that the kale is ready, it’s time to add our delicious ingredients. Toss in the cooked quinoa with the cranberries, chopped apples, and sliced red onion.
Don’t forget the toasted pecans and crumbled feta cheese! These ingredients make the Cranberry Apple Quinoa Salad a flavor powerhouse.
Gently toss everything together to ensure every bite is bursting with goodness.
Whisking the Dressing
In a small bowl, take your Dijon mustard, olive oil, honey, lemon juice, and crushed red pepper flakes. Whisk them together until they combine perfectly.
This dressing is like a love potion for our salad—it ties all those flavors together beautifully! Taste it, and adjust salt and pepper as needed. Lots of flavor is key!
Combining Everything Together
Finally, pour that zingy dressing over the salad mixture. Toss everything gently to coat all the ingredients evenly. You want every bite to pop with flavor!
And voilà! You can serve your Cranberry Apple Quinoa Salad right away or let it chill briefly for a refreshing taste. Enjoy every delicious mouthful of this gorgeous dish!
Tips for Success
- Use a mix of apples for diverse flavors and textures in your Cranberry Apple Quinoa Salad.
- Make extra quinoa and store it in the fridge for quick salads later in the week.
- Chill your salad for an hour before serving for an even fresher taste.
- Double the dressing recipe if you love extra tangy zest!
- Experiment with different nuts or seeds for a varied crunch.
Equipment Needed
- Medium saucepan: Any regular pot will do for cooking the quinoa.
- Large mixing bowl: A salad bowl or any large dish works fine for combining ingredients.
- Whisk: Use a fork if you don’t have a whisk for mixing the dressing!
- Cutting board and knife: Essential for chopping your apples and onions.
Variations
- Fruit Swap: Try swapping apples for pears or oranges for a delightful twist on flavors.
- Nut-Free Option: Omit the pecans and replace them with pumpkin seeds for a crunchy texture without the nuts.
- Protein Boost: Add grilled chicken or chickpeas for an extra boost of protein, making it more filling.
- Herb Infusion: Toss in fresh herbs like mint or parsley for an added depth of flavor and freshness.
- Dressing Alternatives: Experiment with balsamic vinaigrette or tahini dressing to change up the taste profile.
Serving Suggestions for Cranberry Apple Quinoa Salad
- Pair your Cranberry Apple Quinoa Salad with grilled chicken or fish for a complete meal.
- Serve it alongside a warm baguette or crusty sourdough for a delightful contrast.
- For drinks, a light white wine or sparkling water with lemon complements the salad beautifully.
- Presentation tip: Serve in a colorful bowl and garnish with extra cranberries or nuts for a stunning look!
FAQs about Cranberry Apple Quinoa Salad
Can I make this Cranberry Apple Quinoa Salad in advance?
Absolutely! This salad can sit in the fridge for a couple of days and still taste fantastic. Just keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to serve it, so the salad stays crisp and fresh!
What can I use instead of quinoa?
If quinoa isn’t your jam, you can substitute it with farro or brown rice. Both options provide a hearty base and pair nicely with the other ingredients in the salad.
How can I add more protein to my salad?
Great question! To pump up the protein, consider adding grilled chicken, chickpeas, or even cooked lentils. They will complement the salad’s flavors wonderfully.
Is this Cranberry Apple Quinoa Salad gluten-free?
You bet! Quinoa is naturally gluten-free, making this salad a safe option for those with gluten sensitivities. Just ensure that all other ingredients you use are also gluten-free.
Can I adjust the sweetness of the dressing?
For sure! If you prefer a sweeter dressing, add a bit more honey or even a splash of maple syrup. Just remember to taste as you go to find your perfect balance!
Final Thoughts
Making this Cranberry Apple Quinoa Salad brings a delightful sense of joy and accomplishment right to your kitchen. It’s not just about the vibrant colors or the crunchy textures; it’s about nourishing yourself and your loved ones with something truly wholesome. Every bite bursts with flavor, making it a perfect answer to your busy days. Plus, the satisfaction of creating a dish that’s both healthy and delicious is unmatched. So go ahead, gather your ingredients, and enjoy the magic of preparing and sharing this salad that’s sure to bring smiles around your table!
Print
Cranberry Apple Quinoa Salad
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A refreshing salad packed with quinoa, apples, cranberries, and kale, topped with a tangy dressing.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups water or low-sodium vegetable broth
- 3/4 cup tricolor quinoa, rinsed and drained
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 2 medium unpeeled apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), chopped
- 1 large bunch curly kale (about 5 oz), roughly chopped
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 small red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/3 cup toasted pecans, roughly chopped
- 2 oz crumbled feta cheese
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon honey
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Pinch crushed red pepper flakes
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Salt, to taste
Instructions
- Bring water or vegetable broth to a boil in a medium saucepan over high heat. Add rinsed quinoa, reduce heat to medium, cover, and simmer until liquid is absorbed and quinoa is tender, about 15 minutes. Remove from heat, fluff with a fork, sprinkle dried cranberries on top, cover, and let steam for 5 minutes.
- Place roughly chopped kale in a large bowl and season with kosher salt. Massage kale for about 1 minute until softened and volume is reduced. Add cooked quinoa with cranberries, chopped apples, sliced red onion, toasted pecans, and crumbled feta. Toss gently to combine.
- Whisk together Dijon mustard, olive oil, honey, lemon juice, and crushed red pepper flakes in a small bowl. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste, balancing the flavors.
- Pour the dressing over the salad mixture and toss gently to coat all ingredients evenly. Serve immediately or chill briefly for a refreshing flavor.
Notes
- Feel free to use any type of apples you prefer.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing and Boiling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
