APPLE QUINOA SALAD + TAHINI MAPLE DRESSING Recipe
If you’re looking for a refreshing, vibrant salad that bursts with texture and flavor, the APPLE QUINOA SALAD + TAHINI MAPLE DRESSING is an absolute winner. This salad artfully balances the nutty warmth of quinoa with crisp, juicy apples, sweet grapes, and crunchy almonds, all brought together by a luscious tahini maple dressing that’s creamy with just the right hint of sweetness. It’s fresh enough for a light lunch but satisfying enough for a hearty side dish, making it perfect for any occasion where you want to impress without fussing over complicated ingredients or techniques.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple, wholesome, and each plays a key role in creating the delightful flavor and texture contrasts this salad offers. From the zing of fresh lemon juice to the earthiness of almonds and the sweet warmth of cinnamon, every component elevates the dish beautifully.
- Quinoa: Tri-color works wonderfully for a colorful, protein-packed base.
- Water: Essential for cooking the quinoa to fluffy perfection.
- Lemon juice: Adds brightness and prevents the apples from browning.
- Apples: Using both green and red provides a balance of tartness and sweetness.
- Grapes: Halved for juicy bursts in every bite.
- Celery: Thinly sliced for a crisp, refreshing crunch.
- Raisins (or cranberries): A chewy sweet contrast that complements the dressing.
- Almonds: Slivered or chopped for a satisfying nutty texture.
- Mint leaves: Julienned to add vibrant freshness and aroma.
- Cinnamon: A warming spice that ties the salad ingredients together.
- Salt & pepper: To season perfectly.
- Tahini: The creamy base of the maple dressing with a subtly nutty flavor.
- Maple syrup: Pure sweetness that balances the tahini’s earthiness.
- Water for dressing: Used to thin to a pourable consistency.
- Cider vinegar (optional): Adds a tangy note to the dressing if desired.
How to Make APPLE QUINOA SALAD + TAHINI MAPLE DRESSING
Step 1: Perfectly Cook the Quinoa
Begin by rinsing your quinoa thoroughly under cold water to remove any bitterness. In a medium pot, bring 1¾ cups water to a boil. Add the quinoa, cover, reduce the heat, and simmer for about 15 minutes until the water is absorbed. Remove the pot from heat and let it sit, covered, for another 15 minutes. Then fluff it with a fork to reveal fluffy, tender grains that’ll soak up those fantastic salad flavors beautifully.
Step 2: Whip Up the Tahini Maple Dressing
While the quinoa cooks, mix your dressing ingredients in a small bowl: tahini, water, pure maple syrup, and a splash of cider vinegar if you’d like that extra zing. Stir until smooth, adding water a teaspoon at a time to reach a drizzle-friendly consistency. This dressing is the magic touch that transforms the salad into a harmonious blend of creamy, sweet, and slightly tangy notes.
Step 3: Prepare the Fresh Ingredients
Core and dice your apples, then toss them gently in lemon juice to brighten their flavor and keep their color inviting. Slice grapes in half, thinly slice celery, and chop almonds if necessary. Don’t forget to julienne those mint leaves – this little aromatic addition really makes your salad sing. Finally, add the cinnamon to gently warm up the overall flavor profile.
Step 4: Combine and Season
In a large bowl, combine the cooked quinoa with apples, grapes, celery, raisins, almonds, mint, and cinnamon. Mix everything well so the textures and tastes start to mingle. Taste and adjust salt, pepper, or cinnamon as needed—it’s all about what feels just right for your palette.
Step 5: Serve with the Dressing
Spoon this colorful mix onto plates or into bowls and lavish on the tahini maple dressing. Because the dressing is so flavorsome, don’t be shy with your drizzle! This is where the APPLE QUINOA SALAD + TAHINI MAPLE DRESSING really shines, bringing all ingredients together into one irresistible dish.
How to Serve APPLE QUINOA SALAD + TAHINI MAPLE DRESSING
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like extra mint or even basil can add an extra punch of freshness if you have some on hand. A sprinkle of toasted coconut flakes or more chopped nuts can elevate the texture and appearance beautifully, making every serving feel special and inviting.
Side Dishes
This salad pairs delightfully with simple protein dishes such as grilled chicken or baked salmon, offering a light yet filling component. It also complements a vegan or vegetarian spread wonderfully when served alongside roasted vegetables or hearty legumes.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the salad in individual mason jars or clear glass bowls to showcase the vibrant layers. For a beautiful party platter, spread it on a large wooden board and scatter extra nuts and mint sprigs over the top for a rustic, communal feel that invites sharing and conversation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This salad keeps really well stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 or 6 days. The flavors tend to deepen, making leftovers just as delightful, if not more so, the next day.
Freezing
Freezing is not recommended for this salad since the fresh ingredients like apples and celery will become mushy, and the dressing might separate. It’s best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated for short-term storage.
Reheating
This salad is best served cold or at room temperature, so reheating is unnecessary. If you prefer it slightly warm, allow it to sit out for a few minutes until it’s no longer chilled but still fresh tasting.
FAQs
Can I use different types of apples for the salad?
Absolutely! Mixing tart and sweet apples adds depth, but feel free to use any variety you enjoy. Just ensure they are fresh and crisp for the best texture.
Is it possible to make the dressing nut-free?
Yes! If you have a nut allergy, substitute tahini with sunflower seed butter and check your maple syrup is pure without additives. The flavor will be slightly different but still delicious.
Can I prepare the quinoa ahead of time?
Definitely. Cooking quinoa a day in advance is a great time saver. Just store it in the refrigerator and fluff it before mixing with the other salad ingredients.
How can I make this salad vegan?
This recipe is naturally vegan as it contains no animal products. Just ensure your maple syrup is pure and all ingredients remain plant-based.
What can I substitute for raisins if I don’t have any?
Cranberries are a fantastic alternative and add a slightly tart note. Dried cherries or chopped dates also work nicely for a chewy sweetness.
Final Thoughts
If you want a refreshing, nutritious, and utterly delicious salad that feels like a big hug in a bowl, the APPLE QUINOA SALAD + TAHINI MAPLE DRESSING is the way to go. It’s easy to make, packs incredible flavors, and looks as gorgeous as it tastes. Give it a try—you’ll soon find it’s become one of your favorites to enjoy all year round!
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APPLE QUINOA SALAD + TAHINI MAPLE DRESSING Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 to 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A refreshing and nutritious Apple Quinoa Salad combined with a rich Tahini Maple Dressing. This wholesome salad blends quinoa, fresh apples, grapes, celery, raisins, almonds, and mint with a hint of cinnamon, creating a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors. The creamy tahini and maple syrup dressing adds a delightful sweetness, making it a satisfying and healthy meal option suitable for vegetarians.
Ingredients
Salad Ingredients
- 1 cup quinoa (tri-color recommended)
- 1 3/4 cups water
- 1 lemon, juice of
- 2 large apples, cored and diced (1 green + 1 red, or 2 of the same color)
- 1 1/2 cups grapes, sliced in half
- 1 celery rib, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup raisins or cranberries
- 1/4 cup almonds, slivered or chopped
- A few large mint leaves, julienned
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, or to taste
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Dressing Ingredients
- 1/4 cup tahini
- 3 tablespoons water (adjust as needed)
- 1 to 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
- 1/2 teaspoon cider vinegar (optional, to taste)
Instructions
- Prepare the Quinoa: Rinse the quinoa thoroughly in a fine mesh sieve to remove any bitterness. In a medium-sized pot, combine the rinsed quinoa with 1 3/4 cups of water and bring it to a boil. Once boiling, cover the pot and reduce the heat to a simmer. Let it cook for 15 minutes. After cooking, remove the lid and allow the quinoa to sit for an additional 15 minutes. Fluff the grains gently with a fork to separate them.
- Make the Dressing: While the quinoa cooks, prepare the tahini maple dressing. In a small bowl, mix together the tahini, water, maple syrup, and optional cider vinegar. Stir well to combine. Adjust the consistency by adding water a teaspoon at a time to thin the dressing or more tahini to thicken it. The dressing should be pourable enough to drizzle over the salad. Set it aside to let the flavors meld.
- Prepare the Fruit and Vegetables: Core and dice the apples, then toss them immediately with the lemon juice to prevent browning. Thinly slice the celery rib, halve the grapes, and julienne the mint leaves. Measure out the raisins and almonds ready for assembly.
- Assemble the Salad: In a large bowl, combine the fluffed quinoa with the diced apples, grapes, celery, raisins, almonds, mint, and cinnamon. Mix everything gently but thoroughly. Taste and add additional cinnamon, salt, or pepper if preferred for a balanced flavor.
- Serve or Store: You can serve the salad immediately by spooning it into serving dishes and drizzling it generously with the tahini maple dressing. For best flavor, serve at room temperature if eaten within a few hours.
- Storage: If not serving right away, store the salad in the refrigerator until ready to eat. Leftovers can be kept in an airtight container in the fridge for 5 to 6 days.
Notes
- The salad can be enjoyed as a light lunch or a nutritious side dish.
- Adjust cinnamon and maple syrup levels according to your taste preferences for sweetness and spice.
- Use gluten-free certified quinoa to ensure the recipe remains gluten-free.
- If you prefer, swap almonds for walnuts or pecans for a different nut flavor.
- The optional cider vinegar in the dressing adds a subtle tang but can be omitted if you prefer a milder dressing.
- For vegan diets, ensure the maple syrup you use is pure and does not contain any additives.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Boiling and mixing
- Cuisine: Fusion / Healthy
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 60mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: apple quinoa salad, tahini maple dressing, healthy salad, vegetarian salad, quinoa recipes, fruit and nut salad, easy lunch recipe, gluten-free salad
