This Fruit & Almond Quinoa with Apple Vinaigrette was a nice change in our usual dinner routine. It was simple and quick for a weeknight meal – and it’s healthy!!
Fruit and Almond Quinoa with Apple Vinaigrette
Brian and I have discussed making more conscious decisions about what we eat. As the person who does the grocery-shopping, meal planning and meal preparation, I feel this falls mostly on me – and I’m ok with that! Of course, Brian’s ok with it until we actually have to do it – he’s still a little hesitant to actually do what we say we need to do. It’s easy to say it, not so easy to follow through.
I have to admit that my meat-loving family was not thrilled when I told them we were having quinoa for dinner. I kept having to explain “what it is” and how to say it (keen-wa). My family seemed less than enthused with my answer. Brian asked me more than once, “so there’s no meat in there?” Nope … no meat.
What is Quinoa?
Quinoa is a complete protein source and is full of nutrients. It is a good source of fiber and calcium. it is also gluten-free and easily digested. No amount of touting it’s health benefits was going to change my family’s mind! But, I was still going to give it a shot!
I grew up being exposed to all kinds of things. I have eaten things that would give some of y’all the heebie jeebies. Heck, some of it gives me the heebie jeebies just thinking about it! HA! I’m fair game to most anything once …. one bite. Truth be told, it’s more difficult for some people to step outside their comfort zone and try something new. Brian is one of those people. There’s nothing wrong with it, by the way! I love him just the same! 🙂 It just means I have to be more creative sometimes – or not answer his questions when he asks me “what’s in here” or “what’s this called” ….. Oh, yeah, I totally go there! And sometimes, it’s even harder for these people to acknowledge that they even might like something they thought they didn’t! 😉
Although slightly kicking and screaming, my family tried it and didn’t think it was too bad. I don’t think they’re willing to give up all of their meat just yet! Not that it is my intention, but swapping out a meal here and there with a better and healthier choice – I’m sure I’ll get some grumbles for awhile.
Other recipes you may enjoy
Fruit & Almond Quinoa with Apple Vinaigrette
Ingredients
- 2 cups water
- 1 cup quinoa
- 1 small red apple cored and chopped
- 1 small green apple cored and chopped
- 1 cup red grapes halved
- 1 cup green grapes halved
- ½ cup raisins
- ½ cup slivered almonds 2 oz.
For the dressing
- ¼ cup apple juice
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Pinch salt and pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
- Rinse quinoa. In a medium saucepan, bring the water and quinoa to a boil. Cover. Cook on medium-low for 10-15 minutes, or until all of the water is absorbed. Remove from heat. Fluff the quinoa.
- Place the quinoa in a medium bowl. Add the apples, grapes, raisins and almonds. Mix gently. Set aside.
- In a small bowl, combine the dressing ingredients. Whisk until thoroughly combined. Pour the dressing over quinoa and fruit mixture. Mix gently. Serve immediately or refrigerate and serve cold.
Notes
- Not a fan of quinoa? Give couscous a try instead!
Nutrition
Please note that the nutritional information listed on this page is an estimation based on the products I used. Ingredients and nutritional information can vary significantly between brands. Always be sure to read labels. Please verify that a recipe fits your needs before using it. Nutrition info may contain errors, so please verify it independently. Likewise, recipes may contain errors, so please use your common sense when following them.
Originally published on February 8, 2014. Updated on April 25, 2021.
This quinoa recipe sounds delicious. Love the apple addition!
Yum. Pinned!
Great idea for using quinoa!
haha.. too funny. well way to go on getting that meat loving family to love a meatless dish. Quinoa is awesome, definitely one of my favorites to use. Pinned! Thanks Jamie.
Krista @ Joyful Healthy Eats
While I love my sweets, I'm trying to eat healthier and this salad fits the bill! Thanks for linking it up to MM this week – pinned and sharing on FB this week!
Sounds great!
I really like quinoa and I love finding new ways to make it. This looks delicious, Jaime!
Love quinoa! Will definitely have to try this.
It is harder to follow through. But like you said swapping out here and there and taking small steps adds up. We've really fallen off the wagon with our eating habits. It happens every winter because we tend to turn to heartier, meat-laden dishes. You've inspired me to get back on track.
Thank you for linking this week.
This looks and sounds fabulous Jamie. Thanks for sharing at Simple Supper.
I love eating meatless dishes, this is a great way to have a healthy dinner. Thanks for sharing your recipe at Sweet and Savoury Sundays, we'd love you to stop by again this weekend!
Apples…good, almonds…good, quinoa…good, grapes…good! I'm making this, thanks!
Over The Apple Tree
Love this post! Beautiful Recipe! Stopping by from the Whisk and Sift linky party!
G'day! never cooked or baked with Quinoa Jamie,
Your recipes looks very healthy and yum!….might have to put Quinoa and your recipe on my list to do!
Cheers! Joanne
http://whatsonthelist.net
Sigh —- I'm rockin' the same boat with my family. I serve a Quinoa salad as a side, but I'm the only one who usually eats it. Honestly, if they would just give in a little, they might like it a lot. I'm going to give this recipe a try, but it will probably be a side dish to baked ham. And I'll stuff pork chops with the leftovers. #morethanonewaytoskinacat