Name: Apple Quinoa Salad
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Yield: 6 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 0.333 cup olive oil; 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice; 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar; 1 tbsp pure maple syrup; 2 tsp Dijon mustard; 1 clove garlic (minced); 3 cup fresh spinach leaves; 2 cup quinoa (cooked); 1.5 cup apples (chopped); 0.333 cup dried cranberries; 0.333 cup goat cheese (crumbled); 0.5 cup walnuts (chopped); kosher salt and black pepper (to taste); kosher salt and black pepper (to taste)

This apple quinoa salad is a perfect fall recipe with spinach, walnuts, and goat cheese. Ready in 15 minutes, it's a healthy gluten-free side or main. Try it to

Why This Apple Quinoa Salad Is My Favorite Fall Recipe

Apple season is one of my favorite times of year, and this salad makes the most of it. Nutty quinoa, fresh spinach, crisp apples, crunchy walnuts, creamy goat cheese, and sweet dried cranberries come together with a tangy maple mustard dressing. It’s hearty enough for a light lunch or dinner, but also works beautifully as a Thanksgiving side dish. Plus, it’s naturally gluten-free and vegetarian.

3 Reasons You’ll Love This Apple Quinoa Salad

Comes together in just 15 minutes with no cooking required beyond the quinoa.
Balances sweet, tangy, and savory flavors with contrasting textures in every bite.
Versatile enough for a quick lunch, a side dish, or a holiday table.

Key Ingredients for the Best Apple Quinoa Salad

Spinach, mild and tender, it wilts slightly when tossed with warm quinoa. Baby kale or arugula work too.
Quinoa, cook it in advance and let it cool to room temperature for the best texture. Rinse before cooking to remove bitterness.
Apples, Honeycrisp, Gala, or Fuji hold their shape and provide a sweet crunch. Chop them just before serving to prevent browning.

Expert Tips for Making Apple Quinoa Salad

Make the dressing first so the flavors can meld while you prep the rest. Use a large bowl with plenty of room to toss everything without crushing the spinach. Taste and adjust salt and pepper before serving, the dressing is tangy, and a little extra salt can balance it. If you’re making this ahead, keep the dressing separate and add it right before serving to keep the salad from getting soggy.

Easy Apple Quinoa Salad Variations to Suit Your Taste

You can easily swap in ingredients based on what you have. Substitute kale, arugula, or mixed greens for the spinach. If you’re not a quinoa fan, try farro, couscous, or orzo instead. For the nuts, pecans, candied pecans, or almonds work great. Feta cheese or white cheddar can replace the goat cheese, and currants, dried cherries, or golden raisins stand in for the cranberries.

To bump up the protein, add cooked chicken, chickpeas, or white beans. The dressing is versatile too, it’s good on any grain or green salad.

What to Serve with Apple Quinoa Salad

This salad is satisfying on its own, but it also pairs wonderfully with roasted chicken, turkey, or pork. For a vegetarian meal, add chickpeas or white beans for extra protein. It’s a natural fit alongside other fall dishes like roasted root vegetables or a warm soup. I especially love bringing it to Thanksgiving, it adds a bright, fresh element to the table.

How to Store Leftover Apple Quinoa Salad

Store leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep the dressing separate and add it just before serving to prevent the spinach from wilting and the quinoa from getting soggy. If already dressed, the salad is best eaten the same day.

Apple Quinoa Salad FAQs

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes, you can prep the components ahead. Cook the quinoa, chop the apples, and make the dressing up to 2 days in advance. Store everything separately in the fridge. Combine and dress right before serving.

What type of apple is best for this salad?

I recommend Honeycrisp, Gala, or Fuji apples. They stay crisp and sweet, and they don’t brown as quickly as some other varieties.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, as long as you use certified gluten-free quinoa. All other ingredients are naturally gluten-free.

Can I omit the goat cheese?

Absolutely. You can use feta cheese instead, or simply skip the cheese for a dairy-free version. The salad will still be delicious.