Fall Quinoa Salad with Caramelized Onions and Vinaigrette

fall quinoa salad with garbanzo beans, cherries, pistachios, and apple cider vinaigrette

Fall is the perfect time of year to embrace hearty, nutritious meals that celebrate the season’s flavors. This fall quinoa salad brings together earthy flavors, and a variety of textures, all tossed with a nutritious base of quinoa. Whether you’re looking for a healthy lunch, a versatile dinner, or a festive side dish for holiday gatherings, this new favorite fall salad offers a satisfying combination of textures and tastes. It is also great for those who follow a plant-based diet, and can be easily modified with common ingredients to make endless salad combinations.

One of the best things about this autumn quinoa salad is how easy it is to make, using simple, common ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen. Quinoa serves as the perfect base, and from there, you can add some crust with nuts and seeds, sweetness from dried fruit, and a little acidity from the cheese and homemade vinaigrette. No wonder this has become one of my favorite fall salads!

The beauty of this salad is its flexibility—whether you prefer a vegetarian meal, tart cranberries, sweet raisins, or something in between, you can easily tailor it to your taste buds. Plus, it’s simple to adapt for various dietary preferences, making it a versatile option for everyone at your table. read on to learn more about my new favorite meatless meal, and what is sure to become one of your favorite quinoa recipes.

Apple cider vinaigrette before whisking — Screenshot

Simple Ingredients for Autumn Quinoa Salad

Quinoa: This grain is loaded with fiber, B vitamins and plant-based source of protein, and has a mild nutty flavor. You can also meal prep it in large batches and serve in various ways throughout the week.
Garbanzo beans: Also known as chickpeas, this legume also packs plenty of protein and fiber, and adds a hearty texture to this recipe.
Vinaigrette: Made with olive oil, honey, apple cider vinegar, mustard, and herbs, this simple vinaigrette adds tons of flavor and healthy fats to your dish. This simple apple cider vinaigrette is equally delicious over a lettuce salad, too!
Caramelized Onions: This ingredient add so much flavor to this dish! You can use a white, sweet or red onion, depending on your flavor preferences and what you have available. Onion also has natural antimicrobial properties, making it a beneficial ingredients in this salad.
Pistachios: Not only do these nuts add a delicious crunch, but they also amp up the protein, healthy fats, and fiber in the recipe.
Dried Cherries: The natural tart flavor of cherries adds a nice balance to this salad. Look for dried cherries made with less sugar for a healthier option, or simple swap for your favorite no-added-sugar dried fruit.
Feta Cheese: The sharp flavor of feta cheese adds another layer to this recipe, making it full of flavor. Swap feta for goat cheese, or your favorite vegan cheese to keep this dish vegan.
Herbs: Fresh parsley and mint add flavor to this meal, and they also provide antioxidants and antimicrobial properties. Use more or less herbs to create the perfect flavor for your preferences.
Other ingredients to consider: Brussels sprouts, pomegranate seeds, roasted sweet potatoes, roasted butternut squash, crisp apples, and baby kale. This salad can be made with so many ingredient combinations, so choose your favorite fall flavors to make it your own!

Fall quinoa salad topped with fresh mint and parsley

Easy Steps to Make this Easy Fall Quinoa Salad

Start by making your vinaigrette. Combine your vinaigrette ingredients and whisk until well emulsified. You can keep this at room temperature while you prepare the rest of your salad, or store in the refrigerator until you are ready to make your salad.
To make your quinoa, follow the steps listed on the quinoa container, or use a microwaveable pouch option for quicker preparation.
While your quinoa cooks, prepare your caramelized onions.
Add oil to a pan and heat to medium high heat. Add your sliced onions and a pinch of salt, and cook until the onions become soft and brown in color.
Next, build your salad in a large bowl, starting with quinoa as the base. Top with the remaining salad ingredients, and toss thoroughly with the apple cider vinaigrette.
Toss in salt and pepper as needed.

How to Store this Healthy Seasonal Salad

If you have leftovers, make sure your remaining salad has cooled to room temperature before storing.
Store in an airtight container for up to one week in the refrigerator.
Enjoy chilled, straight from the fridge, or warm slightly for a cozy lunch.

Tips on How to Make the Best Hearty Salad with Fall Flavors

Toast your quinoa prior to cooking to enhance its nutty flavor.
Use the right water-to-quinoa ratio for optimal texture.
Make sure the ingredients in your apple cider vinaigrette are whisked well before pouring onto your salad mixture.
Ensure your ingredients in your salad are thoroughly mixed so each bite contains a variety of ingredients, flavors, and textures.

Can I Add Protein to My Salad?

Of course! The next time you made this salad, you can easily add protein by shredding a rotisserie chicken and incorporating it into your salad. You can also serve this salad as a side dish to a protein, like salmon, shrimp, or steak.

Is quinoa gluten-free?

Yes, quinoa is naturally gluten-free, making it a great alternative for people with gluten intolerance or celiac disease. Using quinoa as your base allows this healthy salad to pack loads of nutrients and a hearty texture.

Is quinoa healthier than brown rice?

Quinoa is often considered a healthier alternative to rice because it’s higher in protein and fiber. It’s also a complete protein, meaning it contains all nine essential amino acids.

What are alternatives for the dried cherries?

Dried cranberries would provide a similar tart flavor along with sweetness in this dish. You can also use raisin, currants, or chopped dried apricots.