A good salad is one that brings a burst of flavors to your mouth. A great salad is one that awakens all your senses. The apple walnut salad, not to toot my own horn, does that without missing a beat.
Prep Time20 minutesmins
Cook Time30 minutesmins
Course: Salad
Keyword: apple salad, healthy apple salad
Servings: 6people
Calories:
Author: Natasha Minocha
Ingredients
2-3cupsMixed salad greens
1.5cupQuinoa, cooked and cooled
2Apples, thinly slicedSprinkle with some lemon juice to avoid oxidizing.
1/3cupWalnuts, coarsely chopped
1/4cupPomegranate arils
1/4cupSmoked Gouda cheese, dicedYou can use any cheese you prefer.
1/4cupDried cranberriesYou can use raisins if you prefer.
A small handful microgreens
Balsamic Vinaigrette
2-3tbspBalsamic vinegar
4tbspExtra virgin Olive oil
1/2tspDried thyme
1tspMaple syrup/honey
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Balsamic Vinaigrette
Whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, maple syrup, dried thyme, salt, and pepper in a small bowl or a small jar with a tight-fitting lid. Taste and adjust for seasoning.
Salad
Arrange the salad greens in a large platter or a serving bowl.
Toss quinoa with half of the dressing.
Spoon quinoa on top of the greens.
Arrange the apple slices on top of the quinoa.
Sprinkle over the walnuts, pomegranates, and cranberries.
Top with the cheese and microgreens.
Drizzle over the rest of the dressing.
Serve immediately. Enjoy!
If you want to serve the salad later, keep all the elements ready and cold. Assemble just before serving.
Notes
To cook quinoa -Rinse the quinoa very well under running water.Place the quinoa with double the quantity of water and a little bit of salt, in a saucepan over high heat.Cover and let it come to a boil, bring the heat down to low. Let it cook until the quinoa is cooked and has absorbed all the water.When cooked, quinoa grains open up and look like little sprouts.Fluff up the cooked quinoa gently with a fork.