This Quinoa, Apple and Almond Salad with Honey Lemon Mint Vinaigrette makes a delicious, healthy lunch or side dish that the entire family will love.
Could I have possibly eaten more junk food over the holidays? I don’t think so. I’m guessing I’m not alone here, right? What can I say, the holidays are a time for splurging. We always visit Jeff’s family in Tucson, Arizona where the Mexican food in plentiful and my sister-in-law’s dinners are not to be missed.
This is mildly embarrassing since less than a month ago I was all “I’m on Weight Watchers, blah blah blah.” But you know what? Who cares, it’s fine. I had some fun and now it’s time to get back on track in the New Year. So here’s one of my absolute favorite quinoa recipes: Quinoa, Apple and Almond Salad with Honey Lemon Mint Vinaigrette. The granny smith apples are tart, the almonds add an earthy crunch, the honey provides just the right amount of sweet and the mint is, well, awesome. I know you’ll love this salad just as much as I do.
How To Cook Quinoa
If you’re new to quinoa and want a step-by-step tutorial on preparing it, check out my post: How to Cook Quinoa.
Quinoa, Apple and Almond Salad with Honey Lemon Mint Vinaigrette
Ingredients
- 3 cups quinoa, cooked
- ¼ cup scallions, sliced thin
- 1 granny smith apple, diced
- ½ cup dried cranberries
- ¼ cup almonds, toasted, rough chopped
Honey lemon mint vinaigrette:
- 3 tablespoons honey,
- 2 tablespoons fresh mint
- ¼ cup lemon juice
- 3 tablespoons warm water
- ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
- kosher salt and ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a small mixing bowl or blender, whisk together the honey, lemon juice, olive oil, mint, and warm water. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
- Combine cooked quinoa with apples, toasted almonds, scallions and dried cranberries.
- About 30 minutes before serving drizzle with ½ cup prepared vinaigrette and toss to combine. Serve cold or at room temperature.
Please read my full post for additional recipe notes, tips, and serving suggestions!
Nutrition
Recipe Troubleshooting
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Carrie says
That is just….I am speechless! YUMMMMM!
Christina says
I HAVE to make this tomorrow! This looks so delicious and the flavor combo sounds amazing.
Nicole says
Wow Jen, this salad is beautiful! Looks delicious and healthy too. Nice job for the new year.
Jackie @ The Beeroness says
This is the perfect detox. I eat quinoa salads so often, I love the apple and almond twist.
Kathryn says
I need all the help I can get with getting back on track, this looks like a great place to start!
megan @ whatmegansmaking says
I love quinoa salads, and the crunch of the apple sounds perfect!
Liz @ The Lemon Bowl says
This looks incredible – I am always looking for new ideas for quinoa. YUM!
Cookin Canuck says
Don’t be so hard on yourself…the holidays are tough for eating “light”. What counts is that you’re back on track and this beautiful quinoa salad looks like a fabulous way to kick things off.
Bev @ Bev Cooks says
Um yeshhhh. I’ll take 15 bowls.
claire @ the realistic nutritionist says
Love the flavors here!
Jennifer says
Wonderful recipe! I have been so much into quinoa! I love it! I’m with about the holidays! I don’t hink I could have consumed more chocolate in one month then I did in December and cookies, man I ate a ton of those to! That’s why I like January, new month, time to be better, well kind of! ;)
Melanie says
Every day I keep telling myself – no junk food today! It’s not working…but I love quinoa and this salad looks amazing. Will have to try it for lunch. Do you think adding some baby spinach would ruin the flavour? Thanks!
Jennifer Farley says
I think it would be a great addition!
Monet says
Isn’t quinoa wonderful? Not only does it taste delicious, but it’s so good for your body! Thank you for sharing this recipe. I needed some culinary inspiration! I hope you are having a wonderful start to 2013.
Grubarazzi (@Grubarazzi) says
I think the majority of us are right there with you. The great news that is exactly why January was invented :) A fresh start with this fresh, perfectly balanced salad. Yummmm.
Anastasia says
Love the combination of nuts and apples in your salad. Beautiful shots, as always!