New fall side dish obsession alert! Apple Almond Quinoa with Maple Sausage is a riff on a Whole Foods hot bar side dish I spotted earlier this year that’s a cinch to whip up at home, and packed with crispy, crunchy textures and delicious flavors. No matter the time of year, this little quinoa salad will be a hit!
Whole Foods’ combination of apple, dried cranberries, almonds, quinoa, green onions, with my addition of maple sausage, is SO FALL, that I can hardly even stand it. This is the perfect light dinner paired with baked or Air Fried chicken, or scooped and served as a gorgeous, flavorful side dish.
Not only are the textures and flavors spot on, but the recipe can be made in just 30 minutes, and enjoyed warm or cold. This is a must try!
Start the Apple Almond Quinoa with Maple Sausage by simmering quinoa in chicken broth until tender, about 15 minutes.
Fluff the quinoa with a fork then scoop it into a large mixing bowl and set it aside to cool slightly.
Meanwhile, brown maple breakfast sausage (I like Johnsonville brand) in a skillet over medium heat. You could use any type of sausage, but I love the hint of maple this particular flavor adds to this fall-inspired dish.
Add the sausage to the quinoa cooling in the bowl, then add the rest of the salad ingredients: Chopped green onions, and a chopped red apple.
Plus chopped or sliced almonds, plus dried cranberries. Dried cherries would be divine as well.
Toss everything to combine then serve — that’s it!
Whole Foods drizzled a curry-infused orange and lemon dressing on top of their quinoa salad. I actually don’t think this dish needs a dressing, but my Maple-Balsamic Vinaigrette would be an absolute dream drizzled on top if you want the dish to be a little saucy.
However you serve it, enjoy!
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