Honey Mustard Quinoa Apple Salad with Crispy Shallots

Honey Mustard Quinoa Apple Salad with Crispy Shallots is a refreshing, nutrient-packed salad that balances sweet, tangy, and savory flavors with crisp textures. Wholesome quinoa provides a hearty base, crunchy apples and crispy shallots add contrast, and the honey-mustard dressing ties it all together for a deliciously satisfying meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Perfect balance of flavors: Sweet honey and apples, tangy mustard and vinegar, and savory shallots
• Nutrient-rich base: Protein-packed quinoa keeps you full while boosting nutrition
• Crunchy texture: Crisp apple slices and golden shallots elevate each bite
• Colorful and vibrant: Great for meals that need aesthetics and flavor
• Ideal for meal prep: Prep components ahead and assemble quickly

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Quinoa (choose white, tri-color, or red)
• Honey
• Dijon mustard
• Apple cider vinegar
• Olive oil
• Salt and pepper
• Apples (e.g., Honeycrisp, Fuji), cored and diced
• Crispy shallots (store-bought or homemade)
• Optional mix-ins: chopped fresh herbs (parsley, chives), toasted nuts or seeds, dried cranberries, feta cheese

Directions

1. Cook the quinoa
   Rinse quinoa well. Cook according to package instructions (generally 1 cup quinoa to 2 cups water) until tender. Fluff with a fork and let cool slightly.
2. Make the dressing
   Whisk together honey, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, olive oil, salt, and pepper until smooth and emulsified.
3. Prepare apples
   Core and dice apples into bite-sized pieces. Toss immediately in a little lemon juice or 1 tbsp of the dressing to prevent browning.
4. Crisp shallots
   If making fresh, thinly slice shallots, dredge in flour, and fry in hot oil until golden and crisp. Drain on paper towels and season with a pinch of salt.
5. Assemble the salad
   In a large bowl, combine cooked quinoa, apples, and any optional add-ins. Pour over the dressing and toss to coat evenly. Season with more salt and pepper, to taste.
6. Finish with shallots
   Just before serving, sprinkle crispy shallots over the top to maintain crunch.

Servings and timing

• Servings: 4–6
• Prep time: 15 minutes (plus optional shallot crisping time)
• Cook time: 15–20 minutes for quinoa
• Total time: ~30–35 minutes (including shallot frying)

Variations

• Add protein: Top with grilled chicken, tofu, or chickpeas
• Make it vegan: Use maple syrup instead of honey
• Change grains: Substitute farro, buckwheat, or bulgur for quinoa
• Flavor boost: Add dried cranberries, toasted pecans, or goat cheese
• Aromatic herbs: Fresh thyme, mint, parsley, or dill bring extra vibrancy

Storage/Reheating

• Store in airtight containers: Keeps up to 4 days in the fridge (add crispy shallots just before serving)
• Reheat optional: Warm lightly in the microwave or eat cold—dressing holds well
• Maintain crispness: Keep apples and shallots separate if prepping ahead to prevent sogginess

FAQs

1. Can I use pre-cooked quinoa?

Yes—cooked quinoa straight from the fridge works great; just let it come to room temp or warm slightly.

2. Are store-bought crispy shallots okay?

Absolutely—they’re an easy and delicious shortcut.

3. How do I prevent soggy apples?

Toss diced apples in lemon juice or dressing, and store separately if needed.

4. Is this salad gluten-free?

Yes—use certified gluten-free quinoa and flour (if making system-made shallots).

5. Can I meal prep this salad?

Yes—store components separately and assemble before serving for best texture.

6. Can I double the recipe?

Yes—ingredients scale easily for larger gatherings.

7. What mustard works best?

Dijon brings smooth tang; grainy mustard adds texture and spice.

8. How can I reduce sweetness?

Use less honey or substitute apple cider vinegar with lemon juice.

9. What nuts pair well?

Toasted pecans, walnuts, or pumpkin seeds add crunch and depth.

10. Can I add greens?

Yes—toss in baby spinach, arugula, or kale for extra color and nutrients.

Conclusion

Honey Mustard Quinoa Apple Salad with Crispy Shallots is a delightful fusion of flavors and textures, perfect for lunch, potlucks, or light dinners. With sweet, tangy dressing, nourishing quinoa, crisp apples, and golden shallots, this recipe is a crowd-pleaser that’s easy to prepare and endlessly customizable.

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