Name: Fresh & Flavor-Packed Favorite Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 ½ cups vegetable broth; ¾ cup tricolor quinoa, rinsed; ½ cup dried cranberries; 1 gala apple, diced into ¼-inch cubes; ¼ cup celery, diced into ¼-inch cubes; ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped; ¼ cup candied walnuts; 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil; 1 teaspoon maple syrup; 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard; 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar; 1 garlic clove, minced; ¼ teaspoon ground allspice; ¼ teaspoon kosher salt; ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Jump to Recipe

If you love salads that are anything but boring, this Quinoa Apple Salad is just what your tastebuds have been searching for! It’s vibrant, full of color and crunch, and, best of all, totally crave-worthy. Every forkful brings a fresh combination of nutty quinoa, sweet apples, juicy cranberries, and zesty vinaigrette. This is my Fresh & Flavor-Packed Favorite for potlucks, meal prep, or light lunches—because it’s as nourishing as it is delicious, and I promise you’ll fall in love with the first bite!

Fresh & Flavor-Packed Favorite Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Fresh & Flavor-Packed Favorite is how a few straightforward ingredients can create such bold flavor. Each item not only brings its own special character, but also supports the salad’s irresistible texture, color, and punchy freshness.

Vegetable Broth: Adds a subtle, savory base that infuses the quinoa with deeper flavor.
Tricolor Quinoa: Nutty, fluffy, and eye-catching—this quinoa packs satisfying protein into every bite.
Dried Cranberries: Little bursts of tart sweetness that by soaking with the hot grains, stay delightfully plump.
Gala Apple: Crisp, juicy, and slightly sweet, these cubes keep the salad tasting bright and fresh.
Celery: Offers a satisfying crunch and a refreshing, vegetal zip.
Fresh Parsley: Brings a pop of green and a gentle herby note.
Candied Walnuts: Adds delightful texture and a touch of caramelized sweetness that ties everything together.
Extra Virgin Olive Oil: The silky backbone for a luscious vinaigrette.
Maple Syrup: Gives natural sweetness and warmth to balance the tangy and savory flavors.
Dijon Mustard: Punches up the vinaigrette with a tangy, sharp bite.
Apple Cider Vinegar: Bright and fruity—essential for lifting all the other flavors.
Garlic: A savory layer within the dressing for a subtle kick.
Ground Allspice: Just enough warm spice to keep the salad interesting and unique.
Kosher Salt: Enhances all the bright flavors and keeps things perfectly seasoned.
Black Pepper: Adds a gentle heat to balance all that fresh produce.

How to Make Fresh & Flavor-Packed Favorite

Step 1: Cook Quinoa and Soak the Cranberries

Begin by placing the vegetable broth and rinsed quinoa in a medium saucepan and bringing them to a boil. Once boiling, stir in the dried cranberries. This trick gently hydrates the cranberries so they stay juicy. Next, cover the pot, remove it from the heat, and let it stand for 15 minutes. That’s when the quinoa becomes tender and the cranberries plump up beautifully. Afterward, fluff the grains with a fork and pour them into a large salad bowl—your Fresh & Flavor-Packed Favorite is already beginning to come alive!

Step 2: Whisk the Vinaigrette

While the quinoa soaks up all those savory notes, whisk together the olive oil, maple syrup, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, garlic, allspice, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. This dressing comes together in seconds and is totally worth making from scratch. It’s sweet, tangy, and just a little spicy—transforming every bite of the salad into something special.

Step 3: Add the Crunch and Color

Toss the diced apple, celery, parsley, and candied walnuts right into the warm quinoa. These fresh ingredients keep every bite crisp and lively, and they add those gorgeous flecks of color that make this dish truly stand out. Your Fresh & Flavor-Packed Favorite now has layers of both flavor and texture.

Step 4: Dress and Toss

Pour the vinaigrette over your beautifully layered salad and toss gently but thoroughly until everything is evenly coated and glistening. The vinaigrette soaks into the warm quinoa and highlights the fresh ingredients, ensuring every bite is bursting with brightness.

Step 5: Serve or Chill

Serve your quinoa apple salad immediately for a warm, comforting texture, or pop it into the fridge for 30 minutes if you love a refreshingly cold salad. This versatility is why it’s my Fresh & Flavor-Packed Favorite whether I’m serving guests or prepping ahead for busy weekdays.

How to Serve Fresh & Flavor-Packed Favorite

Garnishes

This salad truly shines with a little extra flourish. Try topping each bowl with a few extra candied walnuts, a sprinkle of parsley, and perhaps a few thin apple wedges or an extra drizzle of olive oil. These finishing touches amp up the wow-factor and make this Fresh & Flavor-Packed Favorite even more inviting.

Side Dishes

Pair your quinoa apple salad with a big green salad or a robust soup for a comforting lunch. It also works beautifully as a side next to roasted chicken, grilled shrimp, or sandwiches—its bright notes balance out richer mains, making it a true Fresh & Flavor-Packed Favorite for any meal.

Creative Ways to Present

This salad can absolutely steal the show at any gathering! Consider serving it in mini mason jars or lettuce cups for a party-friendly appetizer. For potlucks, I like to pile it high in a wide, shallow bowl, making those colors pop—a guaranteed Fresh & Flavor-Packed Favorite wherever you bring it.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Your Fresh & Flavor-Packed Favorite keeps well for several days. Simply transfer any leftovers to an airtight container and store them in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors meld even further as it sits, making it even more irresistible the next day.

Freezing

While this salad is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze the cooked quinoa and cranberry mixture on its own in a sealed bag or container for up to a month. Wait to add the apples, celery, parsley, and walnuts until you’re ready to serve, so everything stays crisp and vibrant—just the way you want from a Fresh & Flavor-Packed Favorite!

Reheating

If you’d like to enjoy your salad warm, simply reheat the quinoa base gently in the microwave or on the stovetop before tossing with the fresh add-ins and vinaigrette. Or, let it come to room temperature for a super quick and tasty lunch—proof that your Fresh & Flavor-Packed Favorite is as flexible as it is delicious.

FAQs

Can I use a different kind of quinoa?

Absolutely! If you don’t have tricolor quinoa, plain white or red quinoa work just as well. The tricolor simply adds some visual appeal, but use whatever you enjoy or have on hand for your Fresh & Flavor-Packed Favorite.

What other nuts can I use instead of candied walnuts?

Pecans or slivered almonds—either candied or toasted—are fantastic swaps. They’ll give you that satisfying crunch and nutty flavor, keeping the salad a true Fresh & Flavor-Packed Favorite every time.

Is there a way to make this salad nut-free?

Yes! Simply omit the walnuts altogether or try pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds for a crunchy, allergy-friendly alternative. Your Fresh & Flavor-Packed Favorite will still be full of texture and flavor.

How do I keep the apples from browning?

Dicing the apples just before serving is the best way, but you can also toss them with a little lemon juice if prepping ahead. That keeps the colors (and those Fresh & Flavor-Packed Favorite vibes) as gorgeous as possible.

Can I double the recipe for a crowd?

Definitely! This recipe scales up beautifully—just double all the ingredients and grab your biggest bowl. It’s the Fresh & Flavor-Packed Favorite for parties, picnics, and busy lunch weeks.

Final Thoughts

This Quinoa Apple Salad is more than just a weekday lunch—it’s a celebration in a bowl, packed with everything you want: crispy, juicy, nutty, and downright flavorful. I hope you find it becomes your Fresh & Flavor-Packed Favorite too, and that you’ll share this simple, joyful dish with friends, family, or anyone who loves a great salad!

Fresh & Flavor-Packed Favorite Recipe

★★★★★

5.1 from 28 reviews

Author: Ava
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Quinoa Apple Salad is a delightful mix of flavors and textures, combining nutty quinoa with sweet cranberries, crunchy apples, and a tangy vinaigrette. This refreshing salad is perfect for a light lunch or as a side dish for dinner.

Instructions

Cook Quinoa: In a medium saucepan, bring vegetable broth and rinsed quinoa to a boil. Stir in cranberries, cover, and remove from heat. Let stand for 15 minutes, then fluff with a fork and transfer to a large salad bowl.
Prepare Vinaigrette: While the quinoa is resting, whisk together olive oil, maple syrup, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, garlic, allspice, salt, and pepper in a small bowl.
Assemble Salad: Add diced apple, celery, parsley, and candied walnuts to the quinoa. Pour the vinaigrette over the salad and toss until well combined.
Serve: Serve immediately or chill for 30 minutes to enhance the flavor. Enjoy cold or at room temperature.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Salad
Method: Mixing, Tossing
Cuisine: American