Harvest Quinoa and Apple Salad

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A delicious and filling salad packed with fall ingredients and flavors!

Our harvest quinoa and apple salad is full of fall colors and flavors!

Looking for a fresh and crisp salad to enjoy on a perfect fall day? Try Skinny Ms.’s harvest quinoa and apple salad. Made with fresh, seasonal ingredients and a simple homemade dressing, this recipe will fill you up with tons of nutrients and satisfy your autumnal cravings.

Packed with Seasonal Produce

This yummy salad is great for lunch or dinner!

Now is the time to visit your local farmer’s market for freshly harvested produce like squash, apples, and more! Shopping seasonally not only means that you are getting your produce at it’s freshest (and most nutritious) but it is also really great for the environment and your wallet. Local produce typically costs less and because it doesn’t have to travel very far, it’s generally better for the environment, as well! 

Colorful and Powerful Ingredients

Serve this salad as a side to any protein main course.

Thanks to the list of whole, healthy ingredients, this bright and nutrient-packed salad contains tons of essential vitamins and minerals, fiber, and antioxidants! Here’s a breakdown of a few of the major players:

Quinoa

Quinoa is a super grain that is high in fiber, protein, and iron. It is actually one of the only plant-based complete proteins as well as one of the highest-fiber grains. You can find quinoa in many different colors- brown, red, white, and black. Any of them work for this recipe!

Apples

This classic fruit is well-loved for good reason. Filled with important nutrients like fiber, vitamin C, and B vitamins, apples support heart health, digestion, and help prevent illnesses. Apples come in many different colors and flavors, so pick your favorite one at the store (or orchard… or farmer’s market) for this yummy salad.

Butternut Squash

Butternut squash is an awesome source of vitamin C, vitamin E, and beta-carotene. Squash adds a pop of bright color and sweet flavor to this salad and it also boosts your antioxidant intake! All of these nutrients help with immune function, skin health, and the prevention of chronic diseases.

Extra Protein, Anyone?

We’d also like note that although this salad offers 15 grams of vegetarian-friendly protein per serving, adding a grilled chicken breast on top will add considerably more protein, flavor, texture, and heartiness to the dish! Protein is essential when it comes to satiety, fat loss, and maintaining lean body mass. 

How to Make our Delicious Harvest Quinoa and Apple Salad

This easy salad tastes as good as it looks!

This vegetarian salad is easy to make, perfect for meal prepping, and loved by all!

First, prepare your quinoa according to the package instructions. Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Spread the butternut squash and red onion on the lined baking sheet and toss with olive oil, Herbs de Provence, salt, and pepper. Bake for 20 minutes or until golden brown, flipping halfway through the cooking process. 

Once the quinoa and roasted veggies are finished, let them cool. While that’s chilling, combine the dressing ingredients in a bowl. Once everything is ready, combine quinoa, roasted veggies, apples, spinach, walnuts, cranberries, and feta. Toss with dressing and enjoy!

If you are prepping this salad ahead of time, wait to add the dressing until you’re ready to eat it. This will prevent it from getting soggy!

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Harvest Quinoa and Apple Salad

This delicious salad is perfect for fall!
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Cool 15 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Yield 4 people
Serving Size 2 cups
Course Dinner, Lunch, Main Course
Cuisine Universal

Ingredients

  • 8 ounces quinoa dry
  • 1 butternut squash medium, peeled and diced
  • 1 red onion cut into 1" pieces
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon Herbs de Provence
  • Dash of salt and pepper
  • 2 apples diced, any color
  • 2 cups spinach
  • 1/4 cup walnuts chopped
  • 1/4 cup dried cranberries
  • 1/2 cup feta cheese

Harvest Dressing

  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon maple syrup
  • 1/2 tablespoon dried rosemary

Instructions

  • Prepare quinoa according to package instructions
  • Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 400 degrees F and line a baking sheet
  • Spread butternut squash and red onion on the lined baking sheet and cover with olive oil and seasoning
  • Bake for 20 minutes or until golden brown, flipping halfway
  • Once quinoa and roasted veggies are finished, let cool
  • In a bowl, mix the dressing ingredients
  • In another bowl, combine quinoa, roasted veggies, apples, spinach, walnuts, cranberries, and feta
  • Toss with dressing and enjoy!

Nutrition Information

Serving: 2cups | Calories: 644kcal | Carbohydrates: 86g | Protein: 15g | Fat: 30g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Cholesterol: 17mg | Sodium: 236mg | Potassium: 1275mg | Fiber: 12g | Sugar: 24g | Vitamin A: 21522IU | Vitamin C: 51mg | Calcium: 272mg | Iron: 6mg |
SmartPoints (Freestyle): 23
Keywords Vegetarian

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Kelsey Butler, MS, RDN

Kelsey Butler is a Registered Dietitian and recipe developer. From a young age, Kelsey found a love for creating delicious recipes. Now, with a Master's in Nutritional Sciences, Kelsey uses her culinary skills to create healthy and unique recipes for many different diets. She is passionate about creating a healthy relationship with all foods and recipes that everyone can enjoy. Kelsey has a passion for cooking, but she also enjoys the outdoors, staying active, and traveling. She is currently living with her partner in New Zealand.

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