Lemony Fall Quinoa Salad

Lemony Fall Quinoa Salad is a vibrant and nourishing dish that perfectly captures the flavors of autumn. This hearty salad combines the wholesome goodness of quinoa with crisp, seasonal vegetables and a bright, tangy lemon dressing that adds a refreshing contrast.

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Whether you’re looking for a light lunch, a side dish for a cozy dinner, or a potluck favorite, Lemony Fall Quinoa Salad offers the ideal balance of textures and flavors.

Lemony Fall Quinoa Salad

The nutty quinoa pairs nicely with Brussels sprouts, crisp apples, dried cranberries, and crunchy walnuts, making each bite both satisfying and full of seasonal charm. It’s a nourishing way to embrace the fall harvest while keeping things light and fresh.

This salad is great for a crowd since it makes enough for 6 people – or for a smaller group with plenty for leftovers. For some reason, I ALWAYS make too much pasta and too much quinoa for my little household. But like I mentioned, this is a perfect “leftover dish,” too.

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I’m really loving the flavors – mostly fall-inspired – tossed together in this dish. You’ve got crunchy, crispy, and sweet and tangy flavors, too.

I included chopped Brussels sprouts in the mix, but if you prefer, try chopped celery. Don’t like dried cranberries? I think dried blueberries (or even raisins) would do nicely! And of course you can swap out the walnuts and add almonds or pistachios.

The lemony, garlicky dressing for the salad is super-simple to make and adds brightness to any fall day!

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Quinoa Recipes to Try

Quinoa is a great base for so many different dishes including sweet and savory, and for dishes you can enjoy at any time of day. Curious? Try my recipe for Creamy Breakfast Quinoa with Roasted Butternut Squash. It makes a great start to the day and it’s a nice alternative to oatmeal.

Maybe you’re more of a muffin lover? If so, whip up a batch of Quinoa, Coconut, and Date Muffins – perfect in the a.m. or later in the day as a treat. 

As an appetizer or snack, Quinoa Bites with Carrot and Cilantro hits the mark. These bites are a little crispy and they’re perfect with a little Greek yogurt-based dip.

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Health Benefits of Quinoa

Quinoa is known as a superfood because of its impressive nutritional profile. This ancient grain is not only packed with essential nutrients but it’s versatile, making it an excellent choice to add to your recipe rotation.

Check out a few key health benefits of quinoa:

• Rich in Protein: Quinoa is a complete protein, meaning it contains all nine essential amino acids that our bodies cannot produce on their own. This makes it an excellent plant-based protein source for vegetarians, vegans, or anyone looking to boost their protein intake.
• High in Fiber: Quinoa is a great source of dietary fiber, which supports digestive health, helps maintain blood sugar levels, and promotes a feeling of fullness. The fiber in quinoa can also aid in weight management by slowing digestion and reducing hunger.
• Gluten-Free: Naturally gluten-free, quinoa is a fantastic grain alternative for people who need to eliminate glute from their diet.
• Packed with Vitamins and Minerals: Quinoa is rich in essential vitamins and minerals, including B vitamins, iron, magnesium, manganese, and folate. These nutrients support energy production, bone health, immune function, and overall cellular health.
• Antioxidant-Rich: Quinoa contains a variety of antioxidants, which help protect the body from oxidative stress and inflammation. Antioxidants play a role in reducing the risk of chronic diseases, including heart disease and cancer.
• Supports Heart Health: The high fiber, magnesium, and antioxidant content in quinoa may help lower cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. The presence of heart-healthy monounsaturated fats further supports cardiovascular health.
• Blood Sugar Regulation: With its low glycemic index, quinoa has a minimal impact on blood sugar levels, making it a good option for people with diabetes or who are looking to maintain stable energy levels throughout the day.

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Incorporating quinoa into your diet not only boosts the nutritional value of your meals but also offers a variety of health benefits to support your overall well-being.

Whether you make Lemony Fall Quinoa salad as a side dish or as a filling salad quinoa is a powerhouse of nutrition that deserves a place in your kitchen!

I hope you love this dish as much as I do, whether you dish it up and finish it in one sitting or you have enough for leftovers the next day. Try this Lemony Fall Quinoa salad this season!

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Patricia - Grab a Plate

Yields Serves 6

Lemony Fall Quinoa Salad

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Ingredients

For the Salad:
• 1 cup uncooked quinoa
• 8 ounces Brussels sprouts, cleaned, trimmed and cut into strips
• 2 small, sweet apples like Honeycrisp, Gala, or Jonagold, cut into small cubes
• 2 green onions, white and green parts, chopped
• 1/3 cup toasted walnut pieces
• 1/2 cup dried cranberries
For the Dressing:
• 1/3 cup lemon juice (about the same as from 1 large lemon)
• Zest from the lemon
• 1/3 cup olive oil
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

For the Dressing:
1. Combine all the ingredients and mix well prior to pouring on the salad. Set aside until ready to use.
For the Salad:
2. Cook the quinoa according to package directions, and set aside until cool. Fluff with a fork and add to a large bowl.
3. Add the Brussels sprouts, apple pieces, green onions, dried cranberries, and walnuts.
4. Toss lightly to combine.
5. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to coat all the ingredients.
6. Serve at room temperature.

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