Apple Cider Quinoa
Quinoa is my all time favorite gluten free "grain". It's high in protein and nutrients and completely customizable to whatever dish your making. That's why, for my Fall Favorite Quinoa, we're going with an Apple Cider Twist.
GLUTEN FREE SIDE
Lauren Vasnelis
9/9/2026
Apple Cider Quinoa
This Apple Cider Quinoa is an easy fall side dish with just a hint of sweetness from the apple cider. It’s savory enough to pair with chicken, pork, roasted vegetables, or other fall dinners, but the apple flavor gives it something a little different from plain quinoa.
I especially like serving this with my Sage Chicken Meatballs with Brown Butter Sage Sauce, but it’s simple enough to work with all kinds of meals. You can also dress it up with chopped apples, dried cranberries, or other fall add-ins depending on what you’re serving.
Servings: 3
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Rest Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Equipment
Saucepan with a lid
Ingredient Breakdown
Quinoa
Quinoa is the base of this recipe and gives you a light, fluffy side dish with a little more texture than rice. Different brands and varieties can have slightly different cooking times, so I always recommend checking the package directions and using those as your guide.
Apple Cider
Apple cider is what gives this quinoa its subtle fall flavor. I use it for most of the cooking liquid, but not all of it, so the finished quinoa still stays savory instead of tasting overly sweet.
Water
The total cooking liquid needs to equal 1½ cups for the amount of quinoa used here. I use a combination of water and apple cider so the apple flavor comes through without overpowering the dish.
Garlic
Minced garlic adds a savory note that balances the sweetness of the apple cider and keeps this firmly in side-dish territory rather than making it taste like breakfast quinoa.
Ingredients
1 cup quinoa
1 cup apple cider
½ cup water
Minced garlic, to taste
Salt, to taste
Black pepper, to taste
Optional Add-Ins
Diced apples
Dried cranberries or Craisins
Instructions
Cook the Quinoa
Add the quinoa, apple cider, water, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper to a saucepan.
Bring the mixture to a boil, then immediately reduce the heat to a simmer and cover with a lid.
Simmer for about 12–15 minutes, or according to the package directions for your quinoa. The quinoa is done when the liquid has been absorbed and the little white germ has separated and curled around the grain.
Rest and Serve
Remove the saucepan from the heat and leave it covered for 5 minutes.
Fluff the quinoa gently with a fork and serve immediately.
Lauren’s Tips 💛
Keep the Liquid Ratio the Same: The total liquid should equal 1½ cups. I use 1 cup apple cider and ½ cup water because it gives enough apple flavor without making the quinoa too sweet.
Check Your Package: Quinoa cook times can vary, so use the 12–15 minute range as a guide and compare it with the instructions on your specific package.
Let It Rest: That 5-minute rest off the heat helps the quinoa finish steaming and gives you a fluffier texture when you fork through it.
Notes
The finished quinoa can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Diced apples would be a great addition if you want to bring out the apple flavor even more.
Dried cranberries or Craisins would also work well for a sweeter fall variation.
This works especially well as a side for chicken, pork, roasted squash, or other savory fall dishes.
If you want a stronger apple flavor, you can experiment with slightly more cider, but keep the total liquid amount at 1½ cups.
Please check ingredient labels carefully. While all of my recipes are designed to be gluten-free, not every product I use is certified gluten-free. Always verify ingredient labels to ensure they meet your dietary needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know when quinoa is done?
The liquid should be absorbed and the quinoa should look fluffy. You’ll also see the small white germ separate from the grain and curl around it, which is a good visual sign that it’s cooked.
Can I use all apple cider instead of water?
You can experiment with it, but the flavor will be sweeter and more pronounced. I prefer using a combination of cider and water so the quinoa still works well with savory dishes.
Can I use chicken broth instead of water?
Yes. If you want an even more savory version, you could replace the water with chicken broth while keeping the apple cider.
Can I add apples directly to the quinoa?
Yes. Small diced apples would be great folded in after cooking, especially if you want a stronger fall flavor and a little texture.
Can I add dried cranberries?
Absolutely. Dried cranberries or Craisins pair really well with apple cider and make this a slightly sweeter fall side dish.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes. It keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently and add a small splash of water or apple cider if it seems dry.
What should I serve with Apple Cider Quinoa?
It pairs especially well with my Sage Chicken Meatballs with Brown Butter Sage Sauce, but it would also work with roasted chicken, pork, turkey, or roasted vegetables.
