Quinoa Spinach Salad With Apples Bacon White Cheddar

Published on October 21, 2024 Quinoa Salad with spinach, crisp apples, bacon, white cheddar, pepitas, red onion, and a simple maple mustard dressing. This hearty salad is perfect for fall or any day! The maple balsamic dressing brings warmth and depth to the salad, balancing the flavors perfectly. It is easy to whisk up and is so much better than store bought dressing. This salad not only looks vibrant with its rich colors but also offers a delightful mix of textures and tastes that celebrate the season! Enjoy for a light lunch or serve along side any meal. It is the perfect salad for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any fall day!

Ingredient Notes

Quinoa: For the salad you need cooked quinoa. You can make it in advance and keep it in the fridge for up to 5 days. In a medium saucepan, combine quinoa and water or broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for about 15 minutes or until the quinoa is fluffy and liquid is absorbed. Let it cool to room temperature. Bacon: you can also cook the bacon in advance and chop it up. To make the salad vegetarian, omit the bacon. Spinach: I love spinach in this salad, but arugula, kale, or mixed greens are other good options. Apples: I like to use Honey crisp apples, but any variety will work! Look for crisp, juicy apples! Cheese: I use white cheddar, but feta or goat cheese would also be good. Pepitas: Pepitas are pumpkin seeds and add a nice salty crunch to the salad. Pecans, candied pecans, walnuts, or pistachios would also work!

How to Make Quinoa Spinach Salad

In a large bowl, combine the spinach, cooked quinoa, apples, bacon, white cheddar, pepitas, and red onion.

In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the oil, maple syrup, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, garlic, salt, and pepper. Pour the dressing over the salad and stir until the salad is well coated. Serve.

More Fall Salad Recipes

Apple Pecan Salad with Creamy Lemon Dressing Easy Spinach Salad Apple Walnut Quinoa Salad Roasted Butternut Squash Orzo Salad Roasted Delicata Squash Salad Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad Favorite Pear Salad