Cranberry Apple Quinoa Salad

Katie Breazeale, MS, RD, LD

This Cranberry Apple Quinoa Salad is full of crunchy texture and pops of sweetness from the apple and dried cranberries! Quinoa is a great way to get in protein and carbs. Quinoa is a complete protein source, meaning it contains all essential amino acids. 1 cup of quinoa will have 8 grams of protein. Quinoa is a good source of iron, zinc, magnesium, potassium, and omega-3 fatty acids plus it is a gluten free grain!

Ingredients

Salad

1 cup uncooked quinoa

1/2 cup diced celery

2 green onions, sliced

1 cup diced apple

1/3 cup toasted pecans, chopped

1/3 cup dried cranberries

Vinaigrette

2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar

1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup

1 tablespoon olive oil

2 teaspoons dijon mustard

1/4 teaspoon granulated garlic

Kosher salt and fresh ground black pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Cook the quinoa according to the package instructions adding a little salt to the water. * It is very important to rinse your quinoa as the directions advise.
   

2. Once the quinoa is cooked let it cool to room temperature.

3. While the quinoa is cooling add all of the vinaigrette ingredients to a small bowl or jar with a lid. Whisk or shake until thoroughly mixed.

4. Once the quinoa is cool pour it into a serving bowl along with the remaining salad ingredients. Season with salt and pepper.

5. Pour the vinaigrette over the salad and stir everything together until combined.

6. Taste for seasoning, then serve or refrigerate until ready to serve.

Nutrition Information:

1 cup- 317 calories, 8 g Protein, 40 g Carbohydrates, 6 g Fiber, 12 g Total Fat, 75 mg Sodium