Ingredients
– 5 ounces spring greens (such as baby kale or spinach)
– 1 apple (chopped or sliced)
– 8 dried apricots (chopped or sliced)
– 3-4 tablespoons pistachios (chopped or whole)
– One-third cup cooked quinoa
– 2 ounces goat cheese (crumbled)
– Β½ cup extra virgin olive oil for the Honey Mustard Vinaigrette
– 3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar for the Honey Mustard Vinaigrette
– 1 tablespoon heaping Dijon mustard for the Honey Mustard Vinaigrette
– 1 tablespoon honey for the Honey Mustard Vinaigrette
– Salt and pepper to taste for the Honey Mustard Vinaigrette
Instructions
1-How to Prepare the Perfect Apple Apricot Quinoa Salad: Creating this apple apricot quinoa salad is straightforward and fun, fitting right into the blogβs style of easy, refreshing recipes. Start by rinsing 1 cup of quinoa under cold water to remove any bitterness, then drain it well for the best results.
2-Cooking the Quinoa: Next, cook the quinoa in 2 cups of boiling water. Bring it to a boil, reduce the heat to a simmer, and let it cook for 15 minutes until the water is absorbed. Allow it to cool completely before mixing with other ingredients to keep everything fresh and prevent wilting.
3-Preparing the Fruits and Nuts: Now, prepare the fruits: dice 2 medium apples and chop 1 cup of dried apricots into bite-sized pieces for that perfect sweet crunch. In a dry skillet, toast 1/2 cup of sliced almonds over medium heat until they turn golden and fragrant, adding a nutty depth to cαΊ£ salad.
4-Assembling and Finishing Touches: In a large bowl, combine the cooled quinoa, diced apples, chopped apricots, and toasted almonds. Add 1/4 cup of chopped fresh mint for a burst of aroma and freshness that elevates the dish.
5-Making the Dressing and Tossing: In a separate small bowl, whisk together 3 tablespoons of olive oil with 2 tablespoons of lemon juice to create a simple dressing, then pour it over the salad mixture. Gently toss everything until well combined, and let it chill for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors blend. For the full recipe, combine all vinaigrette ingredients in a small jar, seal it tightly, and shake until well blended, then toss with the greens as directed.
Last Step:
Please leave a rating and comment letting us know how you liked this recipe! This helps our business to thrive and continue providing free, high-quality recipes for you.Notes
π₯ The salad features a balanced mix of flavors and textures from goat cheese, dried apricots, pistachios, quinoa, and apple.
π― The honey mustard vinaigrette uses simple pantry staples and can be refrigerated for a few days.
π₯ Adjust the amount of dressing to prevent overdressing the greens.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
Nutrition
- Calories: 406 kcal
- Sugar: 18 g
- Sodium: 56 mg
- Fat: 32 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 6 mg
