Wellness Wednesday: Quinoa Salad with Beets Walnuts Orange Vinaigrette
Dec 18, 2024
Salad ingredients:
1 cup quinoa, rinsed
2 medium sized beets, roasted and cubed
1/2 cup walnuts, toasted
1 orange, peeled and segmented
1/4 cup crumbled goat cheese (optional)
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion
Salt and pepper to taste
Orange Vinaigrette ingredients:
1/4 cup fresh orange juice
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon honey
Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
Cook the Quinoa: In a medium saucepan, bring 2 cups of water to a boil. Add the rinsed quinoa and a pinch of salt. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes, or until the water is absorbed and the quinoa is tender. Fluff with a fork and let cool.
Roast the Beets: Preheat your oven to 400°F Wrap the beets in aluminum foil and roast for 45-60 minutes until tender. Once cooled, peel and cube the beets you can use pre-cooked beets for convenience.
Toast the Walnuts: While the quinoa and beets are cooling, toast the walnuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for 5-7 minutes until golden brown and fragrant. Stir occasionally to avoid burning.
Prepare the Orange Vinaigrette: In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the fresh orange juice, olive oil, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and pepper. Set aside.
Assemble the Salad: In a large bowl, combine the cooked quinoa, roasted beets, toasted walnuts, orange segments, crumbled goat cheese, parsley, and red onion. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Dress the Salad: Drizzle the orange vinaigrette over the salad and toss gently to coat. Adjust the seasoning if necessary.