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
Ingredients
Citrus Vinaigrette
- Juice and zest of 2 oranges
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- Kosher salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
Salad
- 4 cups cooked quinoa
- 1 cup sliced almonds toasted
- 3 celery stalks finely chopped
- 1 apple diced
- 1 cup shelled edamame
- 1 cup carrots shredded
- 1 cup Brussels sprouts shredded
- 1/2 cup chickpeas
Instructions
- For Vinaigrette: Whisk all ingredients together until well combined. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- For Salad: 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.
Notes
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