Description
A refreshing salad that balances sweet and savory flavors with quinoa, cranberries, and apples.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup quinoa
- 2 cups water
- 1 apple, diced
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1/4 cup pecans or walnuts, chopped
- 1/4 cup feta cheese (optional)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Rinse the quinoa under cold water to remove its natural coating, which can taste bitter.
- Combine the rinsed quinoa and water in a pot, bringing it to a boil.
- Reduce to a simmer for about 15 minutes or until the water is absorbed and the quinoa is fluffy.
- Cool the quinoa to prevent the salad from wilting when combined with fresh ingredients.
- Mix the cool quinoa, diced apple, dried cranberries, and your choice of nuts in a large bowl.
- Whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper in a small bowl.
- Pour the dressing over the salad mix and toss gently.
- Sprinkle feta cheese on top just before serving if using.
Notes
Rinsing quinoa is crucial to remove bitterness. Allowing quinoa to cool enhances texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No Cooking Required
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 5mg