Prepare to be amazed by the most delightful, nutrient-packed quinoa salad that's about to revolutionize your meal prep! This Easy Almond Apple Quinoa Salad is not just a recipe; it's a culinary adventure that combines the nutty goodness of quinoa, the crisp sweetness of fresh apples, and the crunch of toasted almonds in one irresistible dish. Whether you're a health-conscious foodie or simply looking for a quick and delicious meal, this recipe is your ticket to a flavor-packed, nutritious lunch that will leave you craving more!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup quinoa
- 2 cups water
- 1 apple, diced
- 1/2 cup almonds, sliced
- 1/4 cup raisins
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by rinsing the quinoa under cold water in a fine-mesh strainer. This helps to remove any bitterness from the quinoa.
- In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed quinoa and 2 cups of water. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan, and let it simmer for about 15 minutes or until all the water is absorbed and the quinoa is fluffy.
- While the quinoa is cooking, prepare the other ingredients. Dice the apple into small cubes, ensuring to remove the core and seeds.
- In a dry skillet over medium heat, lightly toast the sliced almonds for about 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent burning. Remove from heat and set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the diced apple, toasted almonds, and raisins.
- Once the quinoa is cooked, remove it from heat and let it sit for 5 minutes, then fluff it with a fork.
- Add the fluffed quinoa to the mixing bowl with the apple, almonds, and raisins.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, lemon juice, salt, and pepper to create a dressing.
- Pour the dressing over the quinoa salad and gently toss everything together until well combined.
- Let the salad sit for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld, then serve it chilled or at room temperature.
Tips
- Rinse Your Quinoa: Always rinse quinoa thoroughly to remove its natural coating (saponin) that can make it taste bitter. Use a fine-mesh strainer for best results.
- Toasting Almonds: Watch your almonds carefully when toasting. They can burn quickly! Keep them moving in the pan and remove from heat as soon as they turn golden brown.
- Flavor Enhancing Trick: Let the salad sit for 10-15 minutes after dressing to allow the flavors to meld together. This helps the quinoa absorb the dressing and creates a more cohesive taste.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: This salad can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, making it perfect for meal prep.
- Customize Your Salad: Feel free to swap raisins for dried cranberries or add some fresh herbs like mint or parsley for an extra flavor boost.
- Serving Suggestion: Serve chilled or at room temperature for the best texture and taste experience.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 10g
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
