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Cranberry Apple Quinoa Salad

Cranberry Apple Quinoa Salad

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. 1 cup quinoa
  2. 2 cups water
  3. 1 apple, diced
  4. 1/2 cup dried cranberries
  5. 1/4 cup pecans, chopped
  6. 2 tablespoons maple syrup
  7. 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  8. Salt to taste

Instructions

  1. Rinse the quinoa thoroughly under cold water using a fine-mesh strainer to remove any bitter coating.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. While quinoa is cooling, dice the apple into small, uniform cubes, ensuring to remove the core and seeds.
  5. Roughly chop the pecans to create a mix of smaller and medium-sized pieces for texture.
  6. In a small bowl, whisk together maple syrup and lemon juice to create a light dressing.
  7. Add diced apple, dried cranberries, and chopped pecans to the cooled quinoa.
  8. Pour the maple-lemon dressing over the salad and gently toss to combine all ingredients.
  9. Season with salt to taste and mix thoroughly.
  10. Chill the salad for 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld together.

Tips

  1. 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.
  2. Texture Matters: When chopping apples and pecans, aim for consistent, bite-sized pieces to ensure every forkful has a perfect balance of ingredients.
  3. Dressing Technique: Whisk the maple syrup and lemon juice thoroughly to create a smooth, well-integrated dressing that coats the ingredients evenly.
  4. 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.
  5. Customization Options: Feel free to substitute pecans with almonds or walnuts, and experiment with different types of apples for varied flavor experiences.
  6. 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

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