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Fresh Healthy Apple Quinoa Salad Recipe with Spinach Cranberries Easy and Delicious

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A refreshing and nutritious salad combining crisp apples, tender quinoa, fresh spinach, and tangy cranberries with a zesty dressing. Perfect for a light lunch or side dish that is quick and easy to prepare.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup (170g) quinoa, rinsed well
  • 4 cups (about 120g) fresh spinach, washed and chopped loosely
  • 1 large crisp apple (such as Honeycrisp or Fuji), diced with skin on
  • 1/3 cup (50g) dried cranberries, unsweetened if possible
  • 1/4 cup (30g) toasted nuts (walnuts or pecans), chopped
  • 2 tablespoons red onion, finely chopped (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (about half a lemon)
  • 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Rinse the quinoa under cold running water for about 30 seconds using a fine mesh strainer. Drain well.
  2. In a medium saucepan, combine rinsed quinoa with 2 cups (475ml) of water. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes or until water is absorbed.
  3. Remove from heat and let quinoa sit covered for 5 minutes to steam. Fluff with a fork and let cool to room temperature (about 20 minutes).
  4. While quinoa cools, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, honey or maple syrup, salt, and pepper to make the dressing. Adjust seasoning to taste.
  5. Dice the apple, finely chop the red onion (if using), and roughly chop or tear the spinach. Ensure spinach is dry.
  6. Toast the nuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-4 minutes, stirring constantly until fragrant and lightly browned. Transfer to a plate to cool.
  7. In a large mixing bowl, combine cooled quinoa, spinach, diced apple, dried cranberries, toasted nuts, and red onion.
  8. Pour dressing over the salad and gently toss to coat evenly. If preparing ahead, add dressing just before serving to keep spinach crisp.
  9. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or extra lemon juice if needed. Serve immediately or chill for 30 minutes to meld flavors.

Notes

Rinse quinoa well to remove bitterness. Let quinoa cool before mixing to avoid wilting spinach. Toast nuts carefully to avoid burning. Add dressing just before serving if making ahead to keep spinach crisp. Toss apples in lemon juice if browning occurs.

Nutrition

Keywords: apple quinoa salad, healthy salad, spinach salad, cranberry salad, easy salad recipe, gluten-free salad, vegan salad, nutritious lunch

Find it online: https://yumnode.com/fresh-healthy-apple-quinoa-salad-recipe-with-spinach-cranberries-easy-and-delicious/