I only tried quinoa for the first time a couple of months ago, but it is quickly becoming a staple in our house. Besides the fabulous nutritional value, I love that it cooks up even more quickly than rice and adds a hearty texture to whatever dish it is in. I tried it in a couple of salads before I came across this tasty one from Taste of Home Healthy Cooking, and this one with its flavorful dressing and pleasant texture, is definitely staying on our keeper list.
The ingredients:
DRESSING:
1/4 cup olive oil
3 Tbs. orange juice
1-1/2 Tbs. red wine vinegar
1-1/2 Tbs. maple syrup
2 garlic cloves, minced
3/4 tsp. salt
1/8 tsp. pepper
2 green onions, finely chopped
SALAD:
1 cup quinoa, rinsed
2 cups water
1 pkg (6-oz.) fresh baby spinach, torn
1/2 cup dried cranberries (Craisins)
1/2 cup chopped pecans, toasted
Directions: For dressing, in a small bowl, whisk the oil, orange juice, vinegar, maple syrup, garlic, salt, and pepper. Stir in green onions. Set aside in refrigerator until ready to serve.
For salad, in a small saucepan, bring quinoa and water to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 12-15 minutes or until water is absorbed. Remove from heat; fluff with fork. Cover and let stand for 10 minutes.
In a large bowl, combine the warm quinoa, spinach, and Craisins. Pour dressing over quinoa mixture; toss to coat. Sprinkle with toasted pecans. Serve immediately. Enjoy!
Click here for printable recipe.
The ingredients:
DRESSING:
1/4 cup olive oil
3 Tbs. orange juice
1-1/2 Tbs. red wine vinegar
1-1/2 Tbs. maple syrup
2 garlic cloves, minced
3/4 tsp. salt
1/8 tsp. pepper
2 green onions, finely chopped
SALAD:
1 cup quinoa, rinsed
2 cups water
1 pkg (6-oz.) fresh baby spinach, torn
1/2 cup dried cranberries (Craisins)
1/2 cup chopped pecans, toasted
Directions: For dressing, in a small bowl, whisk the oil, orange juice, vinegar, maple syrup, garlic, salt, and pepper. Stir in green onions. Set aside in refrigerator until ready to serve.
In a large bowl, combine the warm quinoa, spinach, and Craisins. Pour dressing over quinoa mixture; toss to coat. Sprinkle with toasted pecans. Serve immediately. Enjoy!
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