Have you ever stumbled upon a dish so refreshing, so unexpectedly delightful, that it instantly became a staple in your family meal plans? This Quinoa Grape Salad is a game-changer in the world of wholesome, delicious eats. Ready in about 15 minutes, it's an easy side dish or wholesome lunch.
Whether you're prepping for a picnic or looking for a light yet satisfying dinner option, this quinoa and grape salad is sure to satisfy. The combination of fluffy quinoa, bursting grapes, and a handful of fresh ingredients creates a symphony of flavors and textures that your friends and family are going to love.
Ingredients
- Cooked Quinoa: The star of our salad, quinoa brings a fluffy texture and nutty taste. You can cook quinoa on the stovetop, in your Instant Pot, or using a stovetop.
- Seedless Grapes: If grapes aren't on hand, diced apples make a great substitute for that sweet crunch.
- Diced Celery: Adds a delightful crunch and freshness.
- Toasted and Chopped Walnuts: These bring a toasty depth and healthy fats. Swap with pecans or almonds if you like.
- Fresh Parsley: Fresh basil can also be used if you have it on hand.
- Dried Cranberries: Dried cherries or raisins are equally delicious alternatives.
- Chopped Fine Shallot: For that slight sharpness and depth. A small amount of finely chopped red onion can be used as a stand-in.
- Balsamic Vinegar Dressing: If balsamic isn't your go-to, any citrus-based dressing could be a refreshing option.
Tips and Tricks
- Toast Those Walnuts: Taking a few extra minutes to toast your walnuts will make all the difference. It enhances their nutty flavor and adds an irresistible crunch to your salad. A quick toast in a dry skillet over medium heat until they’re fragrant is all it takes.
- Make It Ahead: If you’re planning for a gathering, know that this salad holds up wonderfully when made ahead of time.
- Play with Proportions: Not everyone loves the same balance of ingredients. Feel free to play around with the quantities to suit your taste. Add more grapes for sweetness, a handful of extra walnuts for crunch, or even double the parsley for that fresh, herby kick—it’s all up to you!
You May Also Like
- Balsamic Quinoa Salad: This delightful salad takes your taste buds on a joyride with its blend of tangy balsamic dressing and fluffy quinoa.
- Honey Mustard Quinoa Salad: For those who love a touch of sweetness with their meals, this honey mustard quinoa salad is a vibrant, taste-packed option.
- Spinach Quinoa Salad: Packed with nutrients and bursting with flavor, this spinach quinoa salad is the perfect way to sneak some greens into your family's diet.
- Chicken Quinoa Salad: Combining the hearty protein of chicken with the nuttiness of quinoa, this salad is a fulfilling meal that keeps you satisfied for hours.
Quinoa, Grape and Walnut Salad
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked quinoa
- 1 cup seedless grapes halved
- 1 cup celery diced small
- ¼ cup walnuts toasted and chopped
- ¼ cup fresh parsley chopped
- 3 tablespoons dried currants or raisins
- 1 shallot chopped fine
- ⅓ cup balsamic vinegar dressing or dressing of choice - bottled dressing is fine
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine quinoa, grapes, celery, walnuts, parsley, currants and shallots.
- Toss with quinoa mixture with dressing and season to taste with salt and pepper.
Shannon Graham
I've never made a salad like this before. Adding grapes to my next salad for sure.