Apple Quinoa Salad

This Apple Quinoa Salad is a vibrant and nutritious dish that perfectly balances sweet, crunchy, and savory elements. The fluffy quinoa serves as a hearty base, while diced apples add a refreshing crunch and natural sweetness. Finished with a light lemon-olive oil dressing, this salad is not only delicious but also visually appealing, making it an excellent option for lunch, dinner, or as a side dish for gatherings.

For a Serving Size of Two:

Ingredients:

• 80 grams quinoa (uncooked)
• 200 ml water
• 1 medium apple, diced
• 50 grams chopped walnuts
• 30 grams dried cranberries
• 30 grams  crumbled feta cheese
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon honey (optional)
• Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons chopped parsley

Procedure:

• Rinse the quinoa under cold water to remove its natural coating. In a saucepan, bring 200 ml of water to a boil. Add the quinoa, reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 15 minutes or until all the water is absorbed. Once cooked, fluff with a fork and let it cool.
• While the quinoa is cooling, chop the apple, walnuts, and parsley.
• In a small bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, olive oil, honey (if using), salt, and black pepper.
• In a large bowl, combine the cooled quinoa, diced apple, chopped walnuts, dried cranberries, parsley, and feta cheese. Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine.
•  Serve immediately or refrigerate for about 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld

Nutritional Benefits:

• Calories: 488 kcal
• Protein: 30.7 g
• Carbohydrates: 3.3 g
• Fat: 39.3 g