Apple Sweet Potato Quinoa Salad
A vibrant and nutritious salad that combines sweet potatoes, apples, and quinoa for a delightful mix of flavors and textures.
Ingredients
Grains and Base
- 1 cup quinoa Rinsed under cold water
- 2 cups vegetable broth or water Used to cook quinoa
Vegetables and Fruits
- 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced Roasted until tender
- 1 large apple, cored and diced Your choice of variety
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1 cup spinach or kale, chopped Added at the end
Nuts and Dried Fruits
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries or raisins
- 1/2 cup walnuts or pecans, chopped
Fats and Flavorings
- 2 tablespoons olive oil For roasting and dressing
- 1 lemon, juiced Used in the dressing
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup, optional For sweetness
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup feta cheese or vegan alternative, optional For garnishing
Instructions
Preparation
- Rinse the quinoa under cold water to remove any bitter coating.
- In a medium pot, combine the rinsed quinoa and vegetable broth (or water). Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for about 15 minutes or until fluffy. Set aside to cool.
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Roasting
- Place the diced sweet potatoes on a baking sheet, drizzle with olive oil, and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Roast in the oven for 25-30 minutes or until tender and slightly golden, stirring halfway through.
Mixing
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked quinoa, roasted sweet potatoes, diced apple, dried cranberries (or raisins), nuts, and chopped red onion.
- In a small bowl, whisk together lemon juice, a little more olive oil, and maple syrup if using. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss everything gently.
- Fold in the chopped spinach or kale and sprinkle in feta cheese if desired. Serve immediately, or let it chill in the fridge for a bit to meld the flavors together.
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Notes
Can be served cold or at room temperature. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. For meal prep, store components separately to maintain freshness.