Maple Chestnut Quinoa Recipe – Warm Fall Grain Salad with Goat Cheese

Difficulty:

3/5

Serves:

3-4 PEOPLE

Prep Time:

20 minutes

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Maple Chestnut Quinoa Recipe

This Maple Chestnut Quinoa recipe blends nutty toasted quinoa with earthy mushrooms, sweet maple syrup, and peppery arugula for a wholesome, flavor-packed dish. Featured on A is for Apple 2 and hosted by Lauren Gulyas, this seasonal grain salad balances sweet and savory notes, making it perfect for cozy dinners, holiday sides, or meal-prep lunches.

The Inspiration

Inspired by the comforting flavors of fall, this dish celebrates maple syrup and chestnuts—two ingredients that bring warmth and depth to cool-weather cooking. Lauren Gulyas highlights how simple pantry staples like quinoa can be elevated with thoughtful layering of flavor. By toasting the quinoa before simmering, the grains develop a richer, nuttier character that forms the perfect base for the bold maple balsamic dressing.

Chestnuts add a subtly sweet, tender bite that pairs beautifully with earthy shiitake mushrooms. The maple syrup and balsamic vinegar create a glossy marinade that caramelizes slightly when grilled, enhancing both texture and flavor. Finished with fresh arugula and creamy goat cheese, the dish achieves balance: sweet and tangy, creamy and crisp, hearty yet fresh. This is the kind of versatile, produce-forward recipe that reflects Lauren’s approachable yet refined cooking style on A is for Apple 2.

Ingredients

2 cups (480ml) uncooked quinoa
4 cups (960ml) chicken stock
¼ cup (60ml) maple syrup
¼ cup (60ml) balsamic vinegar
2 tablespoons (30ml) chopped fresh rosemary
½ cup (120ml) olive oil
3 cups (720ml) shitake mushrooms
1cup (240ml) shelled and chopped fresh chestnuts
2 cups (480ml) arugula
1 cup (240ml) crumbled goat cheese
Salt and pepper

Method

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add quinoa to the skillet and toast for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until lightly golden.
Stir chicken stock into the skillet and bring to a simmer.
Cover and cook quinoa for 15-17 minutes, or until quinoa is tender and fluffy.
Remove quinoa from heat, and strain away excess liquid.
Cool quinoa to room temperature and reserve.
In a mixing bowl, whisk together maple syrup, balsamic vinegar, rosemary and olive oil.
Stir mushrooms and chestnuts into the dressing, and toss to marinate.
Set aside to marinate for 1-2 hours.
Once mushrooms and chestnuts are done marinating, heat a grill pan over medium-high heat.
Remove mushrooms and chestnuts from the marinade and place on the grill.
Cook for 3-4 minutes per side, or until mushrooms and chestnuts are tender and slightly charred.
Remove from grill and set aside to cool for 8-10 minutes to room temperature.
In a large mixing bowl, combine quinoa, chestnuts and mushrooms.
Add remaining dressing and toss.
Season with salt and pepper.
To serve, add a handful of arugula to each serving dish and top with quinoa mixture.
Garnish with goat cheese, and serve cold or at room temperature.

Serving Suggestions

Maple Chestnut Quinoa is incredibly versatile and works beautifully as both a main dish and a hearty side. Serve it as a vegetarian entrée for lunch or dinner, or pair it with roasted chicken, grilled salmon, or baked tofu for added protein. It makes an elegant addition to a holiday spread, especially alongside roast turkey or glazed ham, thanks to its sweet maple and earthy chestnut notes.

For entertaining, present the salad on a large platter with extra goat cheese and a drizzle of balsamic reduction for visual appeal. This dish is also ideal for meal prep, as the flavors continue to develop when stored in the refrigerator and enjoyed the next day.

Final Thoughts

This Maple Chestnut Quinoa recipe from A is for Apple 2, hosted by Lauren Gulyas, showcases how wholesome ingredients can come together in a dish that feels both comforting and refined. Toasted quinoa provides a nutty foundation, while maple-marinated mushrooms and chestnuts bring richness and depth. The peppery arugula and tangy goat cheese balance the sweetness, creating a harmonious, satisfying grain salad.

Whether you’re preparing a seasonal side dish, a nourishing vegetarian main, or a festive addition to your holiday table, this recipe delivers warmth and flavor in every bite. It’s a celebration of fall ingredients with a modern twist—simple to prepare yet impressive to serve.

Find more recipes from A is for Apple here!