Apple, Quinoa & Lentil Salad with Maple Pork

This apple, quinoa and lentil salad with maple pork is a healthy and satisfying dinner packed with lean protein, whole grains, fresh herbs, and roasted vegetables.

Tender maple-glazed pork fillet is served over a hearty quinoa and lentil salad with roasted apples, onion, celery, mint, and parsley for a balanced meal full of flavour and texture.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• High-protein healthy dinner
• Packed with fibre and fresh herbs
• Naturally gluten-free
• Sweet and savoury flavour combination
• Great for meal prep and leftovers

Ingredients

For the Maple Pork

• Pork fillet
• Lemon juice
• Maple syrup
• Chilli flakes
• Olive oil

For the Salad

• Red apples
• Red onion
• Quinoa
• Brown lentils
• Fresh parsley
• Fresh mint
• Celery
• Baby herbs
• Lemon wedges

How to Make Apple, Quinoa & Lentil Salad

Step 1: Roast the Apples and Onion

Place apple wedges and onion on a lined baking tray.

Drizzle with olive oil, season well, and roast until golden and tender.

Step 2: Cook the Maple Pork

Combine lemon juice, maple syrup, water, and chilli flakes.

Brown the pork fillet in an ovenproof frying pan, then pour over the maple mixture.

Transfer to the oven and roast until just cooked through.

Allow the pork to rest before slicing.

Step 3: Cook the Quinoa

Place quinoa and water in a saucepan.

Simmer until the quinoa is fluffy and the liquid has absorbed.

Step 4: Assemble the Salad

Combine quinoa, roasted apple mixture, lentils, parsley, mint, celery, and remaining lemon juice in a large bowl.

Season to taste.

Step 5: Serve

Divide the salad among serving plates.

Top with sliced maple pork and spoon over the pan juices.

Finish with baby herbs and lemon wedges.

Tips for the Best Maple Pork Salad

• Don’t overcook the pork fillet to keep it tender
• Roast the apples until lightly caramelised for extra flavour
• Rinse quinoa before cooking to remove bitterness
• Let the pork rest before slicing
• Add extra herbs for freshness

Why This Salad Is So Healthy

This balanced salad includes:

• Lean protein from pork
• Fibre-rich lentils and quinoa
• Fresh vegetables and herbs
• Healthy fats from olive oil
• Natural sweetness from apples and maple syrup

Serving Suggestions

Serve this dish with:

• Extra roasted vegetables
• Crusty sourdough bread
• A fresh green salad
• Greek yoghurt dressing
• Sparkling lemon water

Storage Tips

• Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days
• Keep pork and salad separate for best texture
• Great for healthy lunch meal prep

Final Thoughts

This apple, quinoa and lentil salad with maple pork is a fresh and nourishing meal that combines sweet roasted apples, hearty grains, tender pork, and vibrant herbs into one delicious healthy dinner recipe.