Hey there, my friend 👋. If you’re looking for a salad that is fresh, crunchy, and super satisfying, you’re in the right place. This chopped apple quinoa salad is the perfect mix of sweet and savory, and it’s packed with nutrients.
And guess what? You don’t have to spend hours in the kitchen. With just a few ingredients and some easy steps, you’ll have a delicious salad that you can enjoy for lunch, dinner, or even a snack.
Let’s get started.
Utensils You Need
These are the utensils and/or equipment you need to make this recipe.
- Medium saucepan
- Large mixing bowl
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
- Wooden spoon
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Small whisk or fork
Important Info
- Servings: 4 bowls
- Estimated Cost to make this recipe: Around $8-$10, depending on the ingredients you have at home.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Calories per serving: About 320 calories
- Cook Method: Stovetop
- Season: Perfect all year round
- Courses: Salad, Lunch, Side Dish
- Cuisine: International
- Diets: VegetarianDiet, GlutenFreeDiet, DairyFreeDiet
How to Make Chopped Apple Quinoa Salad
Now I am going to tell you what ingredients you need to make this delicacy and how to make it.
Ingredients You Need
- 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
- 2 cups water
- 2 apples, chopped (Honeycrisp or Fuji work great)
- ½ cup chopped walnuts
- ½ cup dried cranberries
- ¼ cup red onion, finely chopped
- ½ cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Alternative Ingredients
If you do not have the ingredients I listed above, do not worry. You can swap them out for the alternatives below.
| Ingredient | Alternative |
|---|---|
| Quinoa | Brown rice, couscous |
| Walnuts | Almonds, pecans, sunflower seeds |
| Dried cranberries | Raisins, chopped dates |
| Red onion | Green onion, shallots |
| Feta cheese | Goat cheese, shredded parmesan |
| Honey | Maple syrup, agave syrup |
| Olive oil | Avocado oil, sunflower oil |
| Lemon juice | Apple cider vinegar, white vinegar |
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan, bring 2 cups of water to a boil. Add the rinsed quinoa, reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it cook for about 15 minutes or until all the water is absorbed. Remove from heat and let it cool.
- While the quinoa is cooling, chop the apples into bite-sized pieces. If you’re worried about them browning, squeeze a little lemon juice over them.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled quinoa, chopped apples, walnuts, dried cranberries, and red onion.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, honey, salt, and black pepper.
- Pour the dressing over the quinoa mixture and toss everything together until well combined.
- If using feta cheese, sprinkle it on top just before serving.
- Serve immediately or refrigerate for about 15 minutes to let the flavors blend together.
Helpful Tips
- Rinse the quinoa before cooking to remove any bitterness.
- If you like extra crunch, toast the walnuts in a dry pan for 2-3 minutes.
- Want a protein boost? Add grilled chicken or chickpeas.
- For a sweeter salad, use a sweeter apple like Gala or Fuji.
- Let the salad sit in the fridge for 30 minutes if you want a more intense flavor.
What to Serve with Chopped Apple Quinoa Salad
This salad pairs well with:
- Grilled chicken or salmon for a full meal
- A bowl of soup for a light lunch
- Toasted bread with hummus or avocado spread
- A smoothie if you want a refreshing drink on the side
How Do You Serve the Recipe?
You can serve this salad in a regular bowl or on a large platter for sharing. If you’re packing it for lunch, a mason jar works great—just layer the quinoa first, then the apples and toppings, and add the dressing when you’re ready to eat.
Where Do You Serve This Recipe the Most?
This salad is perfect for:
- Picnics – It’s fresh, easy to transport, and doesn’t need to be heated.
- Potlucks – A crowd-pleaser that fits many diets.
- Holiday gatherings – The cranberries and nuts make it festive.
- Work lunches – It stays fresh and doesn’t get soggy quickly.
Storage
Short-term Storage (Room Temperature)
- If you’re eating it within 2 hours, you can leave it at room temperature.
- Keep the dressing separate if you want to maintain the crunch.
Refrigeration
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- If the apples start to brown, just toss in a little lemon juice before serving.
Freezing
- This salad does not freeze well because the apples will turn mushy.
- If you must freeze it, store only the cooked quinoa and add fresh ingredients later.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can make it up to a day ahead. Just store the dressing separately and mix it in when ready to eat.
What type of apples work best?
Crisp apples like Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Gala are the best. They stay crunchy and add a nice sweetness.
Can I use a different grain instead of quinoa?
Yes, you can use brown rice, couscous, or even farro for a different texture.
Is this salad kid-friendly?
Yes, kids usually love the sweet apples and cranberries. If they don’t like onions, you can leave them out or use a milder option.
How can I make this a full meal?
Add some protein like grilled chicken, tofu, or chickpeas, and you’ve got a complete meal.
Meta Description
This chopped apple quinoa salad recipe is sweet, crunchy, and packed with nutrients. Perfect for lunch, potlucks, or a light dinner. Ready in just 25 minutes!