Imagine a salad that's not just a side dish, but a culinary adventure that tantalizes your taste buds and nourishes your body! This Cranberry Apple Quinoa Salad is a game-changing recipe that effortlessly blends sweet, tangy, and nutty flavors into one incredible dish. Perfect for health-conscious foodies and flavor enthusiasts alike, this recipe will revolutionize the way you think about salads – it's so delicious, you'll forget you're eating something incredibly nutritious!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup quinoa
- 2 cups water
- 1 apple, diced
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1/4 cup pecans, chopped
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Rinse the quinoa thoroughly under cold water using a fine-mesh strainer to remove any bitter coating.
- In a medium saucepan, combine the quinoa and water. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes until water is absorbed and quinoa is fluffy.
- Remove quinoa from heat and let it rest, covered, for 5 minutes. Then fluff with a fork and transfer to a large mixing bowl to cool completely.
- While quinoa is cooling, dice the apple into small, uniform cubes, ensuring to remove the core and seeds.
- Roughly chop the pecans to create a mix of smaller and medium-sized pieces for texture.
- In a small bowl, whisk together maple syrup and lemon juice to create a light dressing.
- Add diced apple, dried cranberries, and chopped pecans to the cooled quinoa.
- Pour the maple-lemon dressing over the salad and gently toss to combine all ingredients.
- Season with salt to taste and mix thoroughly.
- Chill the salad for 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld together.
Tips
- Quinoa Preparation: Always rinse quinoa thoroughly to remove the natural saponin coating, which can make it taste bitter. Use a fine-mesh strainer for best results.
- Texture Matters: When chopping apples and pecans, aim for consistent, bite-sized pieces to ensure every forkful has a perfect balance of ingredients.
- Dressing Technique: Whisk the maple syrup and lemon juice thoroughly to create a smooth, well-integrated dressing that coats the ingredients evenly.
- Chilling is Key: Let the salad rest in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld and intensify, creating a more complex taste profile.
- Customization Options: Feel free to substitute pecans with almonds or walnuts, and experiment with different types of apples for varied flavor experiences.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: This salad can be prepared a day in advance, making it perfect for meal prep or entertaining guests with minimal last-minute preparation.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 280kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 8g
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 0mg