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–+ servings
Fall Quinoa Salad

Delicious Fall Quinoa Salad with Apples and Pomegranate Arils

This Fall Quinoa Salad combines vibrant autumn fruits and crunchy nuts for a nutritious, delicious dish perfect for gatherings.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Chill Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Salad
Cuisine: American
Calories: 220

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 1.5 cups cooked quinoa
  • 1 large Honeycrisp apple, chopped
  • 1 large Granny Smith apple, chopped
  • 1 large Bartlett pear, chopped
  • 0.33 cups dried cranberries, coarsely chopped
  • 0.33 cups pomegranate arils (seeds)
  • 0.33 cups celery, finely chopped
  • 0.33 cups pecans, coarsely chopped
  • 1-2 green onions (light green parts), sliced
Dressing Ingredients
  • 3.5 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 1.5 teaspoons orange zest
  • 2 tablespoons fresh squeezed orange juice
  • 2.5 teaspoons Dijon mustard
  • 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
  • 0.67 cups light olive oil
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Equipment

  • medium saucepan
  • fine mesh sieve
  • large bowl
  • whisk

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Rinse quinoa under cold water using a fine mesh sieve to remove bitterness.
  2. In a medium saucepan, combine rinsed quinoa with water; bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer covered for 15–18 minutes until tender.
  3. Allow cooked quinoa to rest for 10 minutes, then fluff with a fork and cool.
  4. In a large bowl, combine chopped apples, pear, dried cranberries, pomegranate arils, celery, pecans, and green onions.
  5. In a separate bowl or jar, whisk together apple cider vinegar, orange zest, orange juice, Dijon mustard, maple syrup, olive oil, salt, and pepper to make the dressing.
  6. Add cooled quinoa to the fruit mixture and gently toss with the dressing until everything is well coated.
  7. Chill for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 220kcalCarbohydrates: 34gProtein: 6gFat: 10g

Notes

Feel free to customize your salad with seasonal fruits or different nuts. This dish is perfect for meal prep and can be enjoyed cold or warm.

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