Perfectly crisp, sweet, and picked at peak perfection, the fall apple is the most popular apple for a reason. Perhaps that’s why we are drawn to simple fall salads with fresh ingredients that truly let the crunchy apple shine. Our Apple Harvest Salad calls for spicy arugula, fresh mint, and a sweet-yet-tangy dressing that complements sweet fall apples perfectly, but you could go with pretty much any green and herb you like.
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Quinoa, Mint, and Apple Harvest Salad
Description
Though simple, this salad is packed with a surprising amount of protein (thanks to quinoa and nuts) and lots of fresh veggies to keep you satisfied and full. Serve this as a sweet-yet-tangy side salad with heavier fall dishes or add a hard boiled egg on top for a complete lunch that will make co-workers jealous.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup cooked quinoa
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1/2 cup walnuts, chopped
- 2 small apples, thinly sliced
- 6 cups baby arugula
- 1/4 cup mint leaves, chopped
- Juice from 1 lemon
- 3 tablespoons coconut oil, melted
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 2 teaspoons salt
Instructions
- Cook quinoa according to package instructions.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together juice from 1 lemon, melted coconut oil, honey, apple cider vinegar, and salt to make the dressing. Pour over the cooked quinoa.
- Add cranberries, walnuts, sliced apples, arugula, and mint leaves and gently combine as to not to bruise the apples.
- Transfer to the serving plates and enjoy!
Which apples are in season during the fall?
| If you’re looking for a sweet and crunchy apple to put on salads or in slaw, Fuji is an excellent choice. This bi-colored red and yellow apple is perfectly juicy and great for snacking. Its delightful crunch makes it the perfect choice to enjoy raw. The green Granny Smith apple is tart and crisp, and is typically used in pies and cooked apple dishes. Those looking for a sweeter apple for baking and cooking will find Cortland apples to their liking. Many choose this type of apple because it doesn’t turn brown as quickly as many other apple types. Another apple available in the fall is the Gala. This little apple packs a delicious punch and makes a great snack. It’s not as sweet as other apples, but is a popular choice to eat raw. |