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Fall Harvest Quinoa Salad

A colorful and nutritious salad featuring quinoa, roasted sweet potatoes, apples, and a tangy dressing, perfect for celebrating autumn flavors.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course, Salad
Cuisine: American, Healthy
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 1 cup quinoa, rinsed High in protein and gluten-free
  • 2 cups vegetable broth or water Use broth for more flavor
  • 1 medium sweet potato, diced Roast for sweetness
  • 1 apple diced Any variety you prefer
  • 1 cup kale or spinach, chopped Choose your leafy green
  • ½ cup dried cranberries Adds a sweet-tart flavor
  • ½ cup pecans, chopped For crunch; can substitute with walnuts
Dressing
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil Extra virgin recommended
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar For tanginess
  • 1 tablespoon maple syrup Adds sweetness; adjust to taste
  • Salt and pepper to taste Season as desired

Method
 

Cook the Quinoa
  1. In a medium saucepan, bring the vegetable broth or water to a boil. Add the rinsed quinoa, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes or until all the liquid is absorbed. Remove from heat and let it sit covered for 5 minutes before fluffing it with a fork.
Roast the Sweet Potato
  1. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Toss the diced sweet potato with a drizzle of olive oil, salt, and pepper, and spread it out on a baking sheet. Roast for about 20 minutes or until golden and tender.
Combine the Ingredients
  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked quinoa, roasted sweet potatoes, diced apple, chopped kale, dried cranberries, and chopped pecans.
Make the Dressing
  1. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, maple syrup, salt, and pepper.
Toss and Serve
  1. Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss everything together until well combined. Taste and adjust the seasoning, if necessary.
Enjoy
  1. Serve immediately or let it chill in the fridge for a more intense flavor.

Notes

Rinse quinoa before cooking to remove its bitter coating. Experiment with different ingredients according to your taste preferences. Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, keeping dressing separate.