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Cranberry Apple Quinoa Salad

Cranberry Apple Quinoa Salad is a delightful blend of sweet and tart flavors, perfect for any occasion. This refreshing dish features crunchy apples, chewy cranberries, and fluffy quinoa, making it visually appealing and satisfying. Ideal as a side or light main dish, it’s easy to prepare and great for meal prep. Whip it up for gatherings or enjoy as a nutritious lunch that will impress your taste buds and guests alike.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup quinoa
  • 2 cups water
  • 1 medium Granny Smith apple, diced
  • 1/2 cup dried cranberries
  • 1/2 cup celery, chopped
  • 1/2 small red onion, finely diced
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • 3 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Rinse quinoa under cold water. Combine with water in a pot, bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes until water is absorbed. Fluff with a fork.
  2. In a small bowl, whisk together lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper to make the dressing.
  3. Chop the apple, celery, and red onion into bite-sized pieces.
  4. In a large bowl, combine cooked quinoa with chopped apple, cranberries, celery, red onion, and parsley.
  5. Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently until well-coated.
  6. Serve immediately or refrigerate for later enjoyment.

Nutrition

Keywords: - For added flavor, cook quinoa in vegetable broth instead of water. - Customize by adding nuts like walnuts or pecans for extra crunch. - Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to five days; keep dressing separate until serving.