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Healthy apple walnut quinoa salad with spinach, feta cheese, cranberries, and nuts served in a bowl.
Callie Brooks

Apple Walnut Quinoa Salad

This vibrant fall salad blends nutty quinoa, crisp apples, toasted walnuts, tangy cranberries, creamy cheese, and a zingy apple cider vinaigrette. A texture-rich, colorful side that’s perfect for holidays, potlucks, or healthy weekday meals.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Salad, Side Dish
Cuisine: American, Healthy
Calories: 410
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
  • 2 cups water or vegetable broth
  • 1 cup chopped toasted walnuts
  • 1 large Honeycrisp apple, chopped
  • 0.5 cup dried cranberries
  • 0.5 cup crumbled feta or goat cheese
  • 0.25 cup chopped red onion
  • 2 green onions, sliced
  • 0.25 cup chopped fresh parsley
  • 0.25 cup olive oil
  • 3 tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tbsp maple syrup or honey
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard
  • 0.25 tsp salt
  • 0.125 tsp black pepper

Equipment

  • medium saucepan
  • mixing bowls
  • whisk or jar with lid
  • sharp knife
  • cutting board

Method
 

  1. In a medium saucepan, bring quinoa and water or broth to a gentle boil. Cover, reduce heat, and simmer for about 15 minutes, until fluffy. Let sit for 5 minutes, then fluff with a fork and cool to room temperature.
  2. In a small bowl or jar, whisk together olive oil, apple cider vinegar, maple syrup, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until glossy and emulsified.
  3. In a large bowl, combine cooked quinoa, walnuts, apple, cranberries, cheese, red onion, green onions, and parsley.
  4. Pour the vinaigrette over the salad and toss gently to coat everything evenly.
  5. Serve immediately or chill for deeper flavor blending. Garnish with extra walnuts or parsley if desired.

Nutrition

Calories: 410kcalCarbohydrates: 40gProtein: 10gFat: 24gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 11gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 15mgSodium: 300mgPotassium: 380mgFiber: 5gSugar: 10gVitamin A: 350IUVitamin C: 4mgCalcium: 120mgIron: 2.2mg

Notes

Toast your walnuts lightly for deeper flavor. Let quinoa cool fully before mixing to preserve texture. Store vinaigrette separately if prepping ahead. For a summery twist, sub cranberries with fresh berries. Vegan? Use avocado or nut-based cheese instead of feta.

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