Healthy Quinoa Apple Salad (Print Version)

# Ingredients:

→ Salad Base

01 - 1½ cups low-sodium vegetable broth
02 - ¾ cup rainbow quinoa, thoroughly rinsed
03 - ½ cup sweet dried cranberries

→ Fresh Mix-Ins

04 - 1 medium Gala apple, chopped into small cubes
05 - ¼ cup crisp celery, finely diced
06 - ¼ cup fresh flat-leaf parsley, roughly chopped
07 - ¼ cup glazed walnuts, roughly chopped

→ Homemade Maple Dijon Dressing

08 - 3 tablespoons high-quality olive oil
09 - 1 teaspoon pure maple syrup
10 - 1 tablespoon whole grain Dijon mustard
11 - 1 tablespoon raw apple cider vinegar
12 - 1 small garlic clove, finely minced
13 - ¼ teaspoon warm ground allspice
14 - ¼ teaspoon sea salt
15 - ¼ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper

# Instructions:

01 - Pour the vegetable broth into a medium saucepan and bring to a rolling boil. Stir in your rinsed quinoa and dried cranberries, then cover tightly and remove from heat. Allow everything to steam undisturbed for 15 minutes, then gently fluff with a fork and transfer to your serving bowl.
02 - While your quinoa is steaming, grab a small bowl and whisk together the olive oil, maple syrup, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, minced garlic, allspice, salt, and pepper until smooth and well combined.
03 - Drizzle the maple Dijon dressing over your fluffy quinoa and toss gently to coat. Fold in the diced apple, celery, fresh parsley, and candied walnuts until everything is beautifully mixed. Serve immediately while warm, or chill in the fridge for a refreshing cold salad.

# Notes:

01 - Always rinse your quinoa in a fine mesh strainer before cooking to remove the natural bitter coating called saponin.
02 - This salad tastes amazing served at any temperature - warm, room temp, or chilled from the fridge.
03 - Choose organic walnuts when possible for the best flavor and quality.
04 - Perfect for meal prep! Cook the quinoa, chop the vegetables, and make the dressing ahead of time, then combine when ready to serve.
05 - Pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken, crispy tofu, or enjoy on its own as a light lunch.

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