Hey y'all! If you’re looking for a bright and wholesome dish that's bursting with sweet, savory, and slightly tart flavors, this Apple Sweet Potato Quinoa Salad is an absolute winner. It's perfectly hearty for lunch, makes a gorgeous potluck addition, and doubles as a quick weeknight dinner. With crisp apples, creamy roasted sweet potatoes, nutty quinoa, and a zingy maple-Dijon dressing, there's a little bit of magic in every bite. Let’s get cooking!

Why You'll Love This Apple Sweet Potato Quinoa Salad

Perfectly balanced flavor combination of sweet, savory, and tart.
Packed with plant-based protein and fiber for lasting energy.
Easy meal prep and totally customizable for all tastes.
Naturally gluten-free and vegan-friendly.
Great for picnics, lunches, or make-ahead dinners.

Ingredients

1 cup quinoa, uncooked
2 cups water or vegetable broth
2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced (about 3 cups)
2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
¼ teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
¼ teaspoon black pepper
2 medium apples (such as Honeycrisp or Fuji), cored and diced
3 cups baby spinach, roughly chopped
⅓ cup dried cranberries
⅓ cup toasted pecans, roughly chopped
¼ cup red onion, finely diced
For the dressing:
3 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon pure maple syrup
2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
¼ teaspoon salt
⅛ teaspoon black pepper

Directions

Step 1: Roast the Sweet Potatoes

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Toss diced sweet potatoes with 1 tablespoon olive oil, ¼ teaspoon salt, and black pepper. Spread in a single layer on the baking sheet.
Roast for 20–25 minutes, stirring halfway, until sweet potatoes are tender and slightly crisp on the edges.

Step 2: Cook the Quinoa

While the sweet potatoes roast, rinse quinoa under cold water. Combine quinoa and water or broth in a medium saucepan and bring to a boil.
Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes until the quinoa is fluffy and liquid is absorbed. Remove from heat, fluff with a fork, and let it cool.

Step 3: Make the Dressing

In a small bowl or jar, whisk together 3 tablespoons olive oil, apple cider vinegar, maple syrup, Dijon mustard, ¼ teaspoon salt, and ⅛ teaspoon black pepper until well combined.

Step 4: Assemble the Salad

In a large salad bowl, combine cooked quinoa, roasted sweet potatoes, apples, spinach, cranberries, pecans, and red onion.
Drizzle with the dressing and toss gently to combine. Season with additional salt and pepper to taste.
Serve immediately, or chill for 30 minutes for a more marinated flavor.

Notes

If making ahead, add the apples just before serving to keep them crisp.
For extra crunch, sprinkle with pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds just before serving.
Leftover salad keeps well, but add fresh greens before serving if needed.

Variations

Cheesy Addition: Add ⅓ cup crumbled feta or goat cheese for a tangy twist.
Hearty Protein Boost: Toss in cooked chickpeas or grilled chicken for extra staying power.
Autumn Flair: Swap pecans for toasted walnuts and cranberries for dried cherries.

Equipment Required

Baking sheet
Parchment paper
Medium saucepan with lid
Mixing bowls
Whisk or fork for dressing
Large salad bowl

Storage Instructions

Store leftover Apple Sweet Potato Quinoa Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
It's best to keep extra dressing and apples separate and toss just before serving for optimal texture.

Serving Suggestions & Pairings

Serve as a hearty main dish or a flavorful side.
Pair with a creamy squash soup, grilled tofu, or roasted salmon for a satisfying meal.
Top with extra nuts or seeds for added crunch.

Pro Tips for the Best Apple Sweet Potato Quinoa Salad

Use firm, crisp apples to hold up in the salad and balance the creamy sweet potatoes.
Make sure quinoa is completely cooled before mixing for the best texture.
Taste and adjust salt or sweetness in the dressing to suit your preference.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use roasted butternut squash instead of sweet potatoes?

Absolutely! Roasted butternut squash works beautifully and gives a similar sweetness and texture.

What apples work best for this salad?

Sweet, firm varieties like Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Gala are ideal for freshness and crunch.

Is this salad good for meal prep?

Yes! Prep all components ahead, keep the dressing separate, and assemble just before eating for freshest results.