Airplane food has never really been my thing. I’ll eat it if I have to, but if I can avoid a mystery chicken situation at 30,000 feet, I will. So before a flight, I like to bring something I actually look forward to eating, and this quinoa apple salad has become one of my go-to travel habits.
It’s fresh, crunchy, a little sweet, a little tangy, and most importantly, it’s made with ingredients I recognize and feel good about. There’s quinoa for substance, apples for brightness, toasted almonds for crunch, plus a mix of vegetables and beans that keep it satisfying without feeling heavy.
And then there’s the citrus vinaigrette, which, in my opinion, is what ties everything together and makes it feel just a bit more special than your average “healthy salad.”
Why This Works So Well for Travel
One of the best parts about this salad is how well it travels. I like to make it ahead of time, freeze it, and then take it out right before heading to the airport. By the time I’m settled into my seat, it’s thawed, fresh, and ready to eat.
It’s one of those small, practical things that makes travel feel a little more comfortable. No overpriced airport food, no guessing what’s inside a snack box—just something you already know you enjoy.
Quinoa Apple Salad
Citrus Vinaigrette:
- Juice and zest of 2 oranges
- ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
- ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Whisk everything together until well combined. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. The citrus gives it a fresh, uplifting flavor that works especially well with the sweetness of the apples.
Salad
- 4 cups cooked quinoa
- 1 cup sliced almonds, toasted
- 3 celery stalks, finely chopped
- 1 apple, finely chopped
- 1 cup shelled edamame
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1 cup shredded Brussels sprouts
- ½ cup chickpeas
Directions
In a large bowl, combine the quinoa, almonds, celery, apple, edamame, carrots, Brussels sprouts, and chickpeas. Pour the citrus vinaigrette over the top and toss until everything is evenly coated.
You can enjoy it right away, but I actually think it tastes even better after it has had a little time for the flavors to come together.
Traveling Soon? Use my Favorite Resources for Booking Your Trip!
Book Your Flight
Expedia is my favorite flight search engine, because it checks dozens of airlines so you can easily find the best fare deals. You can also select ‘Watch Prices’ to get an email alert when the prices change.
Book Your Accommodations
I use both Booking.com and Expedia for hotels, because each offers a couple different hotel choices and I like to compare the reviews on each one. If you have a group or are looking for more of a home atmosphere, head over to VRBO or AirBNB that has houses, apartments and even just a room for rent in every price range.
Book Your Rental Car
If love the freedom to explore like I do, driving from place to place is the best option! I always book with RentalCars.com (it’s part of booking.com) for the best prices and top brand options.
Book Some Fun Tours!
Viator and Get Your Guide are my go-to search engines for cool bucket list experiences! Each one can have different tours, so check both—why limit yourself, right?
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
Travel can be unpredictable. Whether it’s a last-minute cancellation, an injury, or (ugh) theft, things happen. That’s why I recommend never leaving the country without travel insurance. Here are my faves: Safety Wing and World Nomads.
Get Packing & Travel Essentials Ready
Check out the Bucket List Journey Amazon Store to find all my favorite travel essentials. Everything from Packing cubes, to travel adapters and toiletry containers to walking shoes.
*Lastly, check travel.state.gov for visa requirements and safety information.
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