Apple Walnut Quinoa Salad: A Nutritious, Flavor-Packed Superfood Meal

Looking for a healthy, refreshing, and easy-to-make dish that’s packed with plant-based protein, fiber, and flavor? This Apple Walnut Quinoa Salad is the perfect answer. Combining nutty toasted quinoa, crunchy walnuts, sweet apples, and tangy cranberries over a bed of fresh spinach, all tossed in a light maple-Dijon vinaigrette, this salad offers a vibrant taste with wholesome nutrition in every bite.

Whether you’re prepping for lunch, a light dinner, or a potluck dish, this salad is a crowd-pleaser and a meal-prep favorite. Plus, it’s vegan, gluten-free, and rich in antioxidants.

Apple Walnut Quinoa Salad: A Nutritious, Flavor-Packed Superfood Meal

Servings

4

servings

Prep time

10

minutes

Cooking time

1

minute

Calories per serving

350

kcal

Ingredients

• For the Salad:

• 1 cup uncooked quinoa

• 2 cups water

• 2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped

• 1 cup walnuts, roughly chopped

• 1½ cups apples, diced (any crisp variety like Fuji or Honeycrisp)

• ¼ cup dried cranberries

• ¼ cup red onion, finely chopped

• For the Dressing:

• 3 tablespoons olive oil

• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar

• 1 tablespoon maple syrup

• 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard

• ½ teaspoon salt

• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Directions

• Toast the Quinoa:
  In a medium saucepan, add the dry quinoa over medium heat. Stir occasionally for about 5–6 minutes, until the seeds start popping and smell nutty.
• Cook the Quinoa:
  Add 2 cups of water to the quinoa. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes. Remove from heat and let it sit, covered, for 10 minutes. Fluff with a fork and let cool.
• Make the Dressing:
  In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, apple cider vinegar, maple syrup, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper.
• Assemble the Salad:
  In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled quinoa, spinach, walnuts, apples, cranberries, and red onion.
• Dress and Toss:
  Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently until everything is well coated.
• Serve:
  Serve immediately at room temperature or chill for later.

Recipe Video

Notes

• Make Ahead:
  This salad stores well for up to 3 days in the refrigerator, making it ideal for meal prep.
• Add Protein:
  Top with grilled chicken, chickpeas, or feta cheese for an extra protein boost.
• Swap Options:
  Use arugula or kale instead of spinach, or pecans instead of walnuts for a variation in flavor.

This Apple Walnut Quinoa Salad is more than just a salad—it’s a nutrient-dense, satisfying dish that celebrates clean, vibrant eating. With its perfect mix of textures and flavors, it’s great for busy weekdays, picnics, or as a hearty side at any gathering. Healthy doesn’t have to mean boring, and this salad proves just that.