Autumn Kale Apple Quinoa Salad

As the leaves begin to change and the air turns crisp, I find myself reaching for my favorite seasonal dish, Autumn Kale Apple Quinoa Salad. This is not just a salad; it’s a celebration of everything wonderful about fall! The vibrant colors of the ingredients mirror the stunning fall foliage, making it a feast for both the eyes and the palate. I love to whip this up on lazy weekend afternoons or for family gatherings, where it never fails to impress. The combination of fresh, crisp apples, nutrient-rich kale, and hearty quinoa makes every bite a delightful experience. You can almost hear the crunch of the leaves underfoot as you savor the flavors of this cool-weather dish. It’s versatile enough to serve as a side or a main course, perfect for any occasion from cozy dinners to festive Thanksgiving feasts.

Ingredients for Autumn Kale Apple Quinoa Salad

The ingredients for Autumn Kale Apple Quinoa Salad are thoughtfully selected to create a harmony of flavors and textures. The combination of quinoa, kale, and apples not only brings vibrant color but also a wealth of nutrients, making this dish as healthy as it is delicious.

• 1/2 cup tricolor dry quinoa: This ancient grain serves as the foundation of our salad, providing a nutty flavor and a good source of protein.
• 6 cups sightly packed chopped kale: Rich in vitamins and minerals, kale adds a hearty crunch and makes the salad nutrient-dense.
• 2 crisp sweet apples: I prefer Gala apples for their sweetness and crunch, but feel free to use your favorite variety. They bring a refreshing taste that balances well with the other ingredients.
• 1 cup walnuts: Lightly toasted and roughly chopped, these add a delightful crunch and healthy fats.
• 1/2 cup dried cranberries: These little bursts of sweetness complement the salad beautifully.
• 4 oz goat cheese: Crumbled goat cheese lends creaminess and tang, enhancing the overall flavor.
• 1/2 cup olive oil: A staple for the dressing that provides richness and a boost of healthy fats.
• 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice: Brightens the salad, adding a zesty flavor that elevates the dish.
• 2 tbsp honey: A touch of sweetness to balance the acidity of the lemon juice.
• 1 1/2 tsp dijon mustard: Adds depth to the dressing with a slight kick.
• Salt to taste: Enhances all the flavors and brings the salad together.

Cooking Method for Autumn Kale Apple Quinoa Salad

Making Autumn Kale Apple Quinoa Salad is a straightforward process that results in a dish bursting with flavor. Follow these easy steps to create a beautiful and nutritious salad that everyone will enjoy.

1. Cook quinoa and cool: Start by rinsing the quinoa under cold water to remove any bitterness. Then, cook it according to the package instructions until fluffy. Once done, let it cool completely. This step is crucial as you don’t want the heat from the quinoa to wilt the kale.
2. Whisk dressing ingredients: While the quinoa is cooling, in a jar or bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, honey, dijon mustard, and a pinch of salt. The goal is to create a smooth dressing that will coat the salad beautifully.
3. Pour 3/4 dressing over kale, chill: In a large salad bowl, add the chopped kale. Pour about three-quarters of the dressing over the kale, and use your hands to massage the dressing into the leaves. This helps to soften the kale and makes it more palatable. Cover the bowl and chill it in the refrigerator for about 15 minutes.
4. Toss in remaining mix-ins and dressing: After the kale has chilled, remove the bowl from the refrigerator and add the cooled quinoa, chopped apples, walnuts, and dried cranberries. Drizzle the remaining dressing over the top and toss gently to combine everything. Be careful not to break up the goat cheese too much, as you want those lovely chunks to remain.
5. Serve or store: Your Autumn Kale Apple Quinoa Salad is now ready to serve! You can enjoy it right away or cover it and store it in the refrigerator for up to four hours. It’s perfect for meal prep or a picnic!

Change It Up

Sometimes it’s fun to switch things up! Here are some ideas to get creative with your Autumn Kale Apple Quinoa Salad.

• Storage: To store leftovers, keep the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four hours. The kale will hold up well if kept properly.
• Freezing: This salad is not recommended for freezing, as the texture of the kale and apples will change upon thawing.
• Pairing: Serve this salad alongside grilled chicken or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
• Variations: Feel free to add other ingredients like feta cheese or roasted sweet potatoes for additional flavors and textures.
• Vegan option: To make this salad vegan, simply omit the goat cheese or substitute it with a vegan cheese alternative.

Accompaniments for Autumn Kale Apple Quinoa Salad

When it comes to serving Autumn Kale Apple Quinoa Salad, the possibilities are endless. Here are some ideas to enhance your dining experience:

• Pair with Roasted Vegetables: The earthy tones of roasted Brussels sprouts or sweet potatoes complement the salad’s freshness beautifully.
• Perfect for Lunches: This salad makes for an excellent packed lunch option, providing a filling meal that is easy to take on the go.
• Festive Occasions: Serve it at Thanksgiving gatherings or family reunions for a colorful, healthful side dish.
• Light Dinner Option: Enjoy it as a light dinner, especially on warmer evenings, paired with a chilled glass of sparkling water.
• Seasonal Pairings: Enhance the salad with roasted pumpkin seeds or pomegranate seeds for a lovely seasonal twist.
• Storage Tips: Store any leftovers in an airtight container, but keep the dressing separate to ensure the salad stays fresh.

FAQ

Conclusion

The Autumn Kale Apple Quinoa Salad is more than just a dish; it’s a celebration of the flavors of the season. The incredible combination of fresh ingredients not only makes it delicious but also nutritious. I encourage you to try this recipe and experience the delightful crunch and vibrant flavors for yourself. It’s perfect for any gathering or simply as a healthy meal at home!

Autumn Kale Apple Quinoa Salad

Craving a burst of flavors? Try this vibrant and healthy Autumn Kale Apple Quinoa Salad. Packed with nutritious ingredients, it's a delightful dish for any occasion. Perfect for light lunches or a festive side, this salad will have everyone coming back for seconds!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 35 minutes mins

Servings: 7 servings

Course: Salads

Cuisine: American

Calories: 350

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1/2 cup tricolor dry quinoa
• 6 cups sightly packed chopped kale
• 2 crisp sweet apples
• 1 cup walnuts
• 1/2 cup dried cranberries
• 4 oz goat cheese
• 1/2 cup olive oil
• 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
• 2 tbsp honey
• 1 1/2 tsp dijon mustard
• Salt

Equipment

• Chef's Knife
• Mixing Bowl
• Whisk

Method

 

1. Cook quinoa and cool: Start by rinsing the quinoa under cold water to remove any bitterness. Then, cook it according to the package instructions until fluffy. Once done, let it cool completely.
2. Whisk dressing ingredients: While the quinoa is cooling, in a jar or bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, honey, dijon mustard, and a pinch of salt. The goal is to create a smooth dressing that will coat the salad beautifully.
3. Pour 3/4 dressing over kale, chill: In a large salad bowl, add the chopped kale. Pour about three-quarters of the dressing over the kale, and use your hands to massage the dressing into the leaves. Cover the bowl and chill it in the refrigerator for about 15 minutes.
4. Toss in remaining mix-ins and dressing: After the kale has chilled, remove the bowl from the refrigerator and add the cooled quinoa, chopped apples, walnuts, and dried cranberries. Drizzle the remaining dressing over the top and toss gently to combine everything.
5. Serve or store: Your Autumn Kale Apple Quinoa Salad is now ready to serve! You can enjoy it right away or cover it and store it in the refrigerator for up to four hours.

Notes

• Tip 1: To store leftovers, keep the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four hours.
• Tip 2: This salad is not recommended for freezing, as the texture of the kale and apples will change upon thawing.
• Tip 3: Serve this salad alongside grilled chicken or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
• Tip 4: Feel free to add other ingredients like feta cheese or roasted sweet potatoes for additional flavors.
• Tip 5: To make this salad vegan, simply omit the goat cheese or substitute it with a vegan cheese alternative.

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Meet Carmen Rhoades

Precision is key to a perfect feast, and I apply that rigor to everything I do here. I am deeply involved in measuring, timing, and refining the techniques behind our recipes. I have cooked this dish multiple times, troubleshooting every step so that your experience in the kitchen is seamless and successful.