Harvest Quinoa Salad with Sage and Apple
This colorful and nutritious Harvest Quinoa Salad combines the nutty flavor of quinoa with the sweet and savory elements of acorn squash, crisp apples, and aromatic sage. Perfect for the chilly months, this salad is a great way to use up leftovers and pantry staples while providing a hearty side dish that complements roasted chicken or turkey beautifully. Whether served warm or at room temperature, each bite bursts with flavor and essential nutrients, making it an excellent addition to any meal.
4
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
quinoa
1 cup (rinsed)
water or reduced-fat chicken broth
2 cups (use for cooking quinoa)
olive oil
1 tablespoon (for sautéing)
yellow onion
1/4 (diced)
fresh sage leaves
8-10 (cut into fine ribbons)
apple
1 (diced into large chunks)
acorn squash
1 1/2 cups (cooked and cubed)
pumpkin pie spice
1-2 teaspoons (to taste)
dried cranberries
2 tablespoons (for topping)
Instructions
1
Begin by rinsing the quinoa in a fine strainer under cold running water to remove any bitterness.
2
In a small saucepan, lightly toast the rinsed quinoa over medium heat until it becomes aromatic, about 2-3 minutes.
3
Add 2 cups of water or reduced-fat chicken broth to the saucepan, bringing the mixture to a boil.
4
Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until all the liquid has been absorbed.
5
While the quinoa is cooking, heat olive oil in a separate skillet over medium flame.
6
Add the diced onions and sage ribbons to the skillet, sautéing for 5-7 minutes until the onions are soft and translucent.
7
Stir in the diced apple and cubed acorn squash, cooking for an additional 5 minutes until the apple is tender.
8
Sprinkle in the pumpkin pie spice and mix well, allowing the flavors to meld for a couple of minutes.
9
Once the quinoa is fully cooked, fluff it with a fork and combine it with the sautéed mixture in the skillet, stirring gently to incorporate all the ingredients.
10
Serve warm or at room temperature, topped with dried cranberries for a sweet finish.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Harvest Quinoa Salad with Sage and Apple?
It is a nutritious and flavorful salad that combines nutty quinoa with sweet apples, savory acorn squash, and aromatic sage, perfect for the autumn and winter months.
What are the primary ingredients in this recipe?
The main ingredients include quinoa, water or chicken broth, olive oil, yellow onion, fresh sage leaves, apple, cooked acorn squash, pumpkin pie spice, and dried cranberries.
Why should I rinse the quinoa before cooking?
Rinsing quinoa under cold running water helps to remove the natural coating called saponin, which can otherwise give the grain a bitter taste.
What is the benefit of toasting the quinoa?
Toasting the rinsed quinoa for 2-3 minutes before adding liquid enhances its natural nutty flavor and adds depth to the overall dish.
How long does the quinoa take to cook?
Once the liquid reaches a boil, reduce the heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until all the liquid has been absorbed.
Can I use chicken broth instead of water?
Yes, using reduced-fat chicken broth instead of water adds more savory flavor to the quinoa as it cooks.
How should I prepare the fresh sage?
The fresh sage leaves should be cut into fine ribbons, also known as a chiffonade, before being sauteed with the onions.
What type of apple is best for this salad?
While any crisp apple works, varieties like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith are excellent choices for their texture and balance of sweetness and tartness.
Does the acorn squash need to be pre-cooked?
Yes, the recipe specifies using 1.5 cups of acorn squash that has already been cooked and cubed before adding it to the skillet.
What does pumpkin pie spice add to the recipe?
Pumpkin pie spice provides warm, autumnal notes that complement the sweetness of the apple and squash and the earthiness of the sage.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe is designed to yield approximately 4 servings.
Can this salad be served warm?
Yes, the Harvest Quinoa Salad is delicious when served warm immediately after preparation.
Is it okay to serve this salad at room temperature?
Absolutely, this salad holds up well and tastes great at room temperature, making it ideal for potlucks or buffets.
Is this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, as long as you use water or vegetable broth instead of chicken broth, the recipe is entirely vegetarian.
Is the Harvest Quinoa Salad gluten-free?
Yes, quinoa is naturally gluten-free, making this an excellent side dish for those with gluten sensitivities.
What can I serve with this quinoa salad?
This salad beautifully complements roasted chicken, turkey, or even a hearty roasted vegetable main course.
How do I know when the onions are ready?
Sauté the onions for about 5-7 minutes until they become soft and translucent before adding the other ingredients.
Can I substitute the acorn squash?
Yes, you can substitute other winter squashes like butternut squash or even roasted sweet potatoes if acorn squash is unavailable.
What provides the sweetness in this dish?
The sweetness comes naturally from the diced apples, the acorn squash, and the dried cranberry topping.
How do I fluff the quinoa?
Once the quinoa is cooked and the liquid is absorbed, use a fork to gently stir and separate the grains.
Can I use dried sage instead of fresh?
Fresh sage is recommended for the best flavor, but if you must use dried, use about 1/3 of the amount since dried herbs are more concentrated.
What is the purpose of the olive oil?
Olive oil is used to sauté the onions, sage, apples, and squash, helping to release their flavors and prevent sticking.
Can I add nuts to this salad?
Yes, adding toasted pecans or walnuts would provide a nice crunch and extra protein to the salad.
How should I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Can this recipe be made ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the components or the entire salad ahead of time and gently reheat it or serve it at room temperature.
Is this salad high in fiber?
Yes, quinoa, apples, and squash are all excellent sources of dietary fiber.
Can I use red or tri-color quinoa?
Yes, any variety of quinoa will work perfectly for this recipe and may add even more color to the dish.
What if I don't have pumpkin pie spice?
You can make a quick substitute using a blend of cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and nutmeg.
Is this recipe suitable for Thanksgiving?
Yes, with its harvest flavors and seasonal ingredients, it is a perfect healthy side dish for a Thanksgiving menu.
How large should the apple chunks be?
The recipe suggests dicing the apple into large chunks to ensure they maintain some texture and presence in the salad.