Easy Almond Apple Quinoa Salad

• Gluten free

• Produce

  • 1/3 cup Cranberries, dried
  • 1 Granny smith apple
  • 1/4 tsp Onion powder
  • 3 cups Spinach, fresh

• Canned Goods

  • 1 cup Chicken broth

• Condiments

  • 2 tsp Dijon mustard
  • 1 tsp Lemon juice
  • 2 tbsp Raspberry jam, seedless

• Pasta & Grains

  • 1/2 cup Quinoa

• Baking & Spices

  • 1 tsp Poppy seeds
  • 1 Salt and pepper
  • 1 tbsp White sugar

• Oils & Vinegars

  • 1/4 cup Olive oil
  • 1/4 cup Raspberry wine vinegar

• Nuts & Seeds

  • 1/3 cup Almonds
  • 2 tbsp Sunflower seeds

Found on chelseasmessyapron.com

Description

Directions

• Rinse your quinoa in a fine mesh sieve to remove the bitter saponin coating.
• In a small pot combine the quinoa and chicken broth, vegetable broth, or water. I always use chicken broth with the quinoa, but if you are vegetarian the other two will work great.
• Follow package directions to cook the quinoa.
• Meanwhile, add the sliced almonds and sunflower seeds in a single layer to a completely dry skillet (dont add any oil) and place on medium-high heat (dont want it too hot or they will burn). Stir the nuts and seeds every 15 seconds for about 1-2 minutes or until the color slightly darkens and they start to smell good. Watch these carefully as they can go from perfectly toasted to burned quickly!
• Chop up the apple (peel if desired, I like to leave it on) and toss it with the lemon juice.
• Remove the quinoa and allow to completely cool (I put it in the fridge).
• Mix together the spinach, dried cranberries, chopped apple, and completely cooled quinoa.
• Toss with the dressing (use as much or as little as desired; youll likely have a bit extra to use on another salad!) and top with the toasted almonds and sunflower seeds. If desired, add in some feta cheese or another cheese you enjoy!
• To make the dressing: Combine all of the ingredients in an immersion blender or small food processor. I start with 1 tablespoon of sugar and add more if needed. Taste and adjust to personal preference (more sugar, more jam, salt or pepper added, etc.)