Quinoa Apple Salad: A Fruity, Fresh & Flavor-Packed Favorite

Looking for a salad that feels just as homey on a holiday table as it does in your weekday lunchbox? This apple quinoa salad is it! It’s vibrant, refreshing, and packed with good-for-you ingredients that don’t skimp on flavor. With nutty quinoa, crisp apples, chewy cranberries, and a sweet-and-tangy maple Dijon vinaigrette, this dish brings all the textures and flavors together in one seriously satisfying bite.

It’s the kind of salad that makes you feel good while eating it—and even better afterward. Whether you’re prepping for a picnic, powering through lunch, or pairing it with your favorite main dish, this salad will quickly become a repeat recipe in your kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Key Benefits

First off, it’s incredibly easy. We’re talking 20 minutes total from start to finish. This makes it a perfect last-minute dish or a meal-prep favorite you can enjoy for days. It also holds up beautifully in the fridge, meaning the flavors get even better with time.

And did I mention it’s naturally gluten-free? Plus, it’s vegetarian, and easy to make vegan or nut-free with a few quick swaps (more on that below).

Taste & Texture

This apple quinoa salad hits all the right notes—crisp, chewy, crunchy, and creamy (if you add a little cheese). The quinoa is fluffy and nutty, the apples are sweet and juicy, and the cranberries bring that perfect pop of tang. Then you get the crunch from the candied walnuts and the herbaceous lift from fresh parsley. The vinaigrette? Slightly sweet from the maple, bold from the Dijon, and balanced with a hint of spice from the allspice and garlic. Every bite is a little different and totally crave-worthy.

Dietary Attributes

Gluten-Free
Vegetarian
Dairy-Free (optional)
High in Plant-Based Protein
Fiber-Rich & Antioxidant-Packed

Ingredients & Substitutions

Here’s everything you’ll need to bring this delicious dish to life:

For the salad:

• 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

For the maple Dijon vinaigrette:

• 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

Ingredient Notes

Quinoa: Tricolor quinoa gives a beautiful mix of color and texture, but any kind will do—white quinoa tends to be fluffier, while red is more toothsome
Apples: Gala is my go-to for sweetness and crunch, but feel free to swap in Honeycrisp, Fuji, or even a tart Granny Smith for a punchier salad
Walnuts: Candied walnuts add that irresistible sweetness and crunch, but toasted pecans or almonds work too

Substitutions

No vegetable broth? Use water or chicken broth if you’re not vegetarian
Nut allergy? Skip the walnuts or sub in pumpkin or sunflower seeds
No cranberries? Try chopped dried cherries, apricots, or raisins

How to Make Apple Quinoa Salad

You’ll be amazed how easy this is to throw together—just a few steps and you’re done!

• Cook the quinoa: In a medium saucepan, bring the vegetable broth and rinsed quinoa to a boil. Once boiling, stir in the cranberries, cover the pot, and immediately remove from heat. Let it stand, covered, for about 15 minutes. Then fluff with a fork and transfer it to a large mixing bowl.
• Make the vinaigrette: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, maple syrup, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, garlic, allspice, salt, and pepper. Set aside.

• Assemble the salad: Add the diced apples, celery, parsley, and walnuts to the quinoa mixture. Drizzle the vinaigrette over everything and gently toss to combine.
• Serve or chill: You can serve this immediately while it’s slightly warm, or pop it in the fridge for 30 minutes to let the flavors meld.

Tips & Tricks for the Best Quinoa Salad

Best Practices

Rinse your quinoa well before cooking. This step removes the natural coating called saponin that can give it a bitter flavor
Use a sharp knife to finely dice the apples and celery for the best texture
Chop the parsley just before adding to the salad to keep it bright and fragrant

Common Mistakes

Overcooking the quinoa is the biggest misstep. Make sure to remove it from heat as soon as it comes to a boil with the broth
Adding apples too early can make them brown. If you’re prepping ahead, toss the apples in lemon juice to help maintain color
Not seasoning to taste—don’t skip the final taste check before serving

Time-Saving Tips

Use pre-cooked quinoa from the fridge or freezer to cut down on cook time
Buy pre-chopped nuts and pre-washed parsley for faster assembly
Make the vinaigrette up to 3 days in advance and store it in the fridge

Serving Suggestions

This salad is super versatile. It works beautifully as a standalone lunch, but also makes an eye-catching side dish.

Pair it with grilled chicken or salmon for a protein-packed dinner
Add it to your brunch spread with quiche or a veggie frittata
Top it with crumbled feta or goat cheese for a tangy twist

Want to serve it beautifully? Try plating it on a large white serving platter and topping with extra parsley and a few apple slices for a rustic, fresh-from-the-garden vibe.

Beverage Pairings

Pair this dish with a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio
Sparkling water with lemon or apple cider is a great non-alcoholic option
It also goes surprisingly well with iced green tea or cucumber-mint infused water

Storage & Reheating

Leftover Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days
This salad is not freezer-friendly due to the fresh apple and herb content, but it keeps really well in the fridge

Reheating Methods

No reheating needed—this salad is best enjoyed cold or at room temp. If you want it warm, you can gently microwave it for 30 seconds, but the apples will soften

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely. It’s perfect for meal prep. Just hold off on adding the apples and walnuts until right before serving to keep things crisp

Can I use white or red quinoa instead of tricolor?
Yes, use whatever you have on hand. Tricolor just adds a nice visual element

How do I make this nut-free?
Sub in roasted pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, or leave out the nuts altogether

What if I want to bulk it up into a full meal?
Add grilled chicken, chickpeas, or even some roasted sweet potato chunks

Variations & Customizations

Dietary Adaptations

To make this recipe vegan, be sure your candied walnuts are dairy-free or just use regular toasted walnuts
For a nut-free version, simply skip the nuts or use seeds
To reduce sugar, use unsweetened dried cranberries and regular walnuts

Flavor Twists

Add a touch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the vinaigrette for more autumn flavor
Swap the parsley for fresh mint or basil for a completely different vibe
Add goat cheese or feta if you like creamy, salty contrast

Seasonal or Holiday Versions

In the fall, mix in roasted butternut squash or sweet potato
For a holiday version, serve it alongside turkey or ham—it’s a great way to bring color and freshness to the table
Try topping with pomegranate seeds for a festive finish

Love Fresh Salads?

If this apple quinoa salad hit the spot, you might also love these vibrant recipes from the blog:

• Beet Garden Salad with Goat Cheese – earthy beets, creamy goat cheese, and fresh greens make this a total showstopper
• Tomato Feta Salad – simple, juicy, and packed with Mediterranean flavor
• Beet Garden Salad with Goat Cheese – yes, it’s so good it deserves a second mention

Pin this recipe and follow more fresh, seasonal dishes on Pinterest

Try this recipe? Let me know in the comments—I love hearing how it turns out in your kitchen!

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