Maple-Glazed Apple & Walnut Quinoa Bowl

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A vibrant grain bowl featuring nutty quinoa, sweet roasted apples, and a sticky maple-tahini glaze, packed with plant-based protein. This mediterranean-inspired vegetarian (vegan) ready in about 30 minutes pairs quinoa, apple, walnuts for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 480 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

★ 4.1 (11 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 480 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Rinse quinoa under cold water, then combine with 2 cups water in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes until water is absorbed. Fluff with a fork and let cool slightly.
  2. Step 2: Toss diced apples with 1 tbsp olive oil, 1/2 tsp cinnamon, and 1/4 tsp salt. Spread on a baking sheet and roast at 400°F (200°C) for 12-15 minutes until edges are caramelized and tender.
  3. Step 3: Whisk together 3 tbsp maple syrup, 2 tbsp tahini, 1 tbsp lemon juice, and 1/4 tsp salt until smooth and glossy.
  4. Step 4: In a large bowl, combine cooled quinoa, roasted apples, and 1/2 cup chopped walnuts. Drizzle with 2/3 of the tahini sauce and toss gently to coat.
  5. Step 5: Divide quinoa mixture over 4 cups mixed greens, drizzle with remaining sauce, and sprinkle with extra walnuts. Serve immediately.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Maple-Glazed Apple & Walnut Quinoa Bowl take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (15 min prep + 15 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Maple-Glazed Apple & Walnut Quinoa Bowl?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep quinoa from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Maple-Glazed Apple & Walnut Quinoa Bowl?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Maple-Glazed Apple & Walnut Quinoa Bowl for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

Is Maple-Glazed Apple & Walnut Quinoa Bowl vegan?

Yes — this recipe is tagged vegan based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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