Name: Honey Mustard Quinoa Apple Salad
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 45 min
Ingredients: 1 cup (180 g) uncooked quinoa; 2 cups (480 ml) chicken or vegetable stock; 1/3 cup (80 ml) olive oil; 2 shallots, thinly sliced; 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar; 1 tablespoon honey; 1 tablespoon dijon mustard; 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste); 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper + more for topping; 5 cups arugula; 1/4 cup parsley, freshly chopped; 1 large or medium apple (look for a sharp, crisp apple); 1/4 cup toasted pepitas (hulled pumpkin seeds); shaved or grated parmesan

Indulging in a refreshing and nutritious salad can be one of the simplest ways to boost your health while enjoying a medley of flavors. If you’re in search of a recipe that’s not only packed with nutrients but also bursting with taste, look no further than the Honey Mustard Quinoa Apple Salad with Crispy Shallots. This delightful dish features fluffy quinoa combined with the peppery bite of arugula, sweet and crunchy apple slices, and crispy shallots, all drizzled with a luscious honey mustard vinaigrette. The beauty of this salad lies not only in its taste but also in its simplicity and versatility.

This Honey Mustard Quinoa Apple Salad stands out as a perfect option for lunch, a light dinner, or even as a side dish for a larger meal. The combination of flavors and textures is truly satisfying: the nuttiness of the quinoa complements the sweetness of the apples, while the homemade vinaigrette adds a tangy punch that ties everything together. Not to mention, it’s gluten-free and vegetarian, making it an extraordinary choice for various dietary preferences.

As we prepare to embark on this culinary adventure, you’ll find that this recipe invites creativity. It’s easy to adapt based on seasonal ingredients or your personal taste. With only 25 minutes of prep time and a total cooking time of 20 minutes, you’ll have a wonderfully vibrant and heart-healthy salad ready to impress your family or guests. Let’s dive into the details of how to make this delicious Honey Mustard Quinoa Apple Salad!

Why You’ll Love This Honey Mustard Quinoa Apple Salad

Flavorful Combination: Enjoy the unique taste of quinoa paired with the sweetness of apples and the crunch of crispy shallots.
Quick and Easy: With minimal cook time and easy instructions, you can whip up this salad in less than an hour!
Nutritious Ingredients: This salad is packed with protein, fiber, and vitamins, thanks to wholesome ingredients.
Customizable: You can easily tweak the recipe to include your favorite vegetables, proteins, or nuts.
Perfect for Meal Prep: Great for making ahead of time, it holds well in the fridge, making your weekly meals a breeze.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Before diving into the preparation of your Honey Mustard Quinoa Apple Salad, it’s essential to set the scene in your kitchen. Start by gathering all your ingredients and tools. You’ll need a medium-sized saucepan for cooking the quinoa, a small saucepan for frying the shallots, and a large salad bowl for combining all the delightful elements.

To ensure the best results, have your measuring cups and spoons available, as you’ll need them for accurate ingredient amounts. A whisk is also necessary for emulsifying your vinaigrette, while a cutting board and sharp knife are essential for chopping and slicing ingredients like apples and shallots. Make sure to have a sieve or fine mesh strainer handy for draining the fried shallots. This meticulous prep will allow you to cook efficiently and with ease!

Ingredients

1 cup (180 g) uncooked quinoa
2 cups (480 ml) chicken or vegetable stock
1/3 cup (80 ml) olive oil
2 shallots, thinly sliced
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon honey
1 tablespoon dijon mustard
1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper + more for topping
5 cups arugula
1/4 cup parsley, freshly chopped
1 large or medium apple (look for a sharp, crisp apple)
1/4 cup toasted pepitas (hulled pumpkin seeds)
shaved or grated parmesan

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Quinoa

Begin by adding the uncooked quinoa to a medium saucepan and covering it with chicken or vegetable stock. Turn your stovetop to medium-high heat and bring the mixture to a rolling boil. Once it reaches a boil, lower the heat to maintain a gentle simmer. Allow the quinoa to cook until all the liquid has absorbed, which typically takes about 15-20 minutes. Once finished, transfer the quinoa to a bowl to help it cool down faster.

Step 2: Fry the Shallots

While your quinoa cooks, it’s time to prepare the shallots. In a small saucepan, combine the thinly sliced shallots with 1/3 cup of olive oil over medium heat. As the shallots cook, they will transform into golden crispy bites—this should take about 15-20 minutes. Remember to stir them regularly to prevent any burning. Once they’re beautifully golden, remove the pan from the heat.

Step 3: Separate and Season the Shallots

After frying the shallots, you will need to separate the crispy morsels from the oil. Place a sieve over a small bowl and carefully pour the fried shallots into it. Let the excess oil drip through the sieve and into the bowl underneath. Transfer the crispy shallots onto a paper towel-lined plate and sprinkle them with salt while they’re still warm. Set aside for later.

Step 4: Prepare the Vinaigrette

Using the bowl that contains the slightly cooled shallot oil, add in the apple cider vinegar, honey, dijon mustard, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Whisk these ingredients together until thoroughly combined, and taste it to adjust seasoning as needed. This vinaigrette will bring extra flavor to your salad!

Step 5: Assemble the Salad

In a large salad bowl, combine the cooked quinoa, arugula, freshly chopped parsley, diced apple, toasted pepitas, and the crispy shallots. Drizzle the vinaigrette generously over the top, then toss everything together gently to combine. For an extra kick, grind some additional black pepper over the salad before serving. And voilà—you’re ready to enjoy this delicious dish!

Variations

Protein: Incorporate grilled chicken, chickpeas, or feta cheese for an added protein boost.
Vegetables: Swap arugula for spinach or mixed greens, or toss in roasted vegetables like sweet potatoes or bell peppers.
Spices: Experiment with spices like cumin or paprika for an exciting twist in the flavor profile.

Cooking Notes

Be mindful not to overcrowd the saucepan when frying shallots; doing so can prevent them from crisping up nicely.
To make this salad even more nutritious, consider adding nuts or seeds like walnuts or almonds.

Serving Suggestions

This salad pairs beautifully with grilled meats or seafood, making it an excellent side dish!
Serve it alongside a crusty bread or whole grain rolls for a complete meal experience.

Tips

Make sure your quinoa is rinsed well to remove any bitterness; this ensures a pleasant flavor.
To save time, you can prepare the quinoa and vinaigrette ahead of time, allowing for quick assembly when you’re ready to eat!

Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time

Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes

Nutritional Information

Calories: Approximately 350 per serving
Protein: 10 grams
Sodium: 250 mg

FAQs

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes! This salad can be made ahead of time. Just keep the vinaigrette separate until you’re ready to serve it to keep everything crispy and fresh.

What type of apple works best for this salad?

Look for a sharp and crisp apple variety for the best sweetness and texture, such as Honeycrisp or Granny Smith.

Can I use a different grain instead of quinoa?

Absolutely! You can substitute quinoa with other grains like farro, barley, or even brown rice, depending on your preference.

Is this salad vegan-friendly?

Yes, this salad can be made vegan-friendly by omitting the parmesan cheese and using maple syrup instead of honey in the vinaigrette.

Conclusion

In summary, the Honey Mustard Quinoa Apple Salad with Crispy Shallots provides a delightful mix of flavors and textures that is sure to energize your meals. Its delicious simplicity and health benefits make it an incredible go-to recipe for any occasion, whether enjoyed as a light lunch or alongside your favorite protein-packed main dish. Don’t hesitate to try out variations and personal twists to discover what you love best. So gather your ingredients, and prepare this sensational salad to impress your friends and family. When you do, be sure to share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below, and let us know how your own version turned out!