Apple Quinoa Salad: Fresh Grain Bowl with Maple-Mustard Dressing
Combine rinsed quinoa, diced apples, and toasted walnuts for a textured American salad. The success of this dish depends on your apple quinoa salad dressing. Whisk the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, maple syrup, and Dijon mustard until the mixture emulsifies. This process binds the oil and vinegar so the dressing clings to the greens rather than pooling at the bottom. Toast the quinoa in 1 tablespoon olive oil first to deepen the nutty flavour before simmering.
Apple Quinoa Salad: Fresh Grain Bowl with Maple-Mustard Dressing
Recipe cardIngredients
Instructions
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Toast the quinoa
Preheat a saucepan over medium heat. Add the rinsed quinoa and drizzle with 1 tablespoon olive oil. Toast for 1–2 minutes until fragrant to enhance the nutty flavour.
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Simmer the grains
Pour in 2 cups of water and bring to a gentle boil. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 12–14 minutes. Stop when the water is absorbed and the quinoa is fluffy.
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Cool the quinoa
Remove the pan from heat and fluff the grains with a fork. Let the quinoa cool to room temperature. Cooling prevents the heat from wilting your fresh salad greens.
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Prepare the greens
Wash the salad greens under cold running water. Dry them thoroughly with a salad spinner or clean towel. Place the dry leaves in a large mixing bowl to ensure the dressing adheres properly.
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Combine the textures
Add the diced apples, toasted walnuts, dried cranberries, and goat cheese to the greens. These ingredients provide the sweetness and crunch that balance the savoury quinoa.
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Whisk the dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, apple cider vinegar, maple syrup, Dijon mustard, sea salt, and black pepper. Whisk until the dressing emulsifies into a smooth, unified sauce.
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Toss and season
Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently. Fold in the cooled quinoa with one last soft toss. Taste and add more salt or vinegar if you want extra zing.
Check the quinoa carefully during the final minutes of simmering. If the water is gone but the grains remain hard, add a tablespoon of water and cover for another minute. Over-toasting the grains at the start can make the salad taste burnt rather than nutty.
What to serve with it
Pair this salad with grilled halibut or a roasted chicken breast for a complete meal. Serve it alongside warm, toasted pita bread to soak up the remaining maple-mustard dressing. For a Mediterranean touch, finish the plate with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and a sprinkle of sea salt.
Making it ahead
Store the dressing and the quinoa in separate containers. Pour the dressing over the salad just before serving to keep the greens crisp. Toss the diced apples in 1 teaspoon of lemon juice to prevent them from browning and to maintain their crispness until you assemble the dish.
Storing and reheating
Keep uncooked apples in a cool, dry place. You can freeze the salad for up to 2 weeks if you omit the dressing. Thaw the mixture in the refrigerator before serving, then add fresh dressing to restore the flavour and texture of the quinoa and greens.
Getting the texture right
Toast the quinoa in olive oil for 1-2 minutes before adding water to develop a nuttier flavour. Toast the walnuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-4 minutes. This process removes raw bitterness and adds a crisp contrast to the soft quinoa and juicy apples.
Nutrition per serving
- Calories
- 400
- Protein
- 11.0 g
- Carbs
- 38.0 g
- Fat
- 21.0 g
- Fiber
- 10.0 g
- Sugar
- 14.0 g
Estimated, and offered as a guide rather than a medical figure.
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Questions people ask
What dressing goes best with quinoa salad?
A maple-mustard dressing works well because the acidity of the apple cider vinegar balances the nuttiness of the quinoa. The maple syrup adds a subtle sweetness that complements the fresh apples and salty goat cheese.
What are the ingredients in an apple and quinoa salad?
This salad uses rinsed quinoa, diced apples, toasted walnuts, and dried cranberries. It is mixed with salad greens and goat cheese, then dressed with olive oil, apple cider vinegar, maple syrup, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper.
Is quinoa salad really healthy?
Yes. Quinoa provides a complete protein source, while walnuts contribute omega-3 fatty acids. The apples and mixed greens provide a high amount of fibre and vitamin C, making it a nutrient-dense choice for a light lunch.
