Apple Pecan Quinoa Salad

 

Apple Pecan Quinoa Salad is a quick and delicious healthy meal! This one calls for a delightful homemade Raspberry Vinaigrette (see recipe below) or you can use a store bought version for an even quicker meal!! However, homemade dressing is so much better then store bought, right? Do you know what else I love? Quinoa!!! I Iove doing different variations on them and here is one that is wonderful!

INGREDIENTS:

2 cups Quinoa, cooked

2 cups Spinach 

1 Apple, chopped 

1/2 cup Dried Cranberries

1/2 cup Pecans, halved

1/2 cup Raspberry Vinaigrette

GARNISH:

Queso Blanco

salt

fresh ground pepper 

Serves 2

Cook Quinoa according to package directions.  In a mixing bowl add Spinach, chopped apple, dried cranberries and dressing. Toss to mix and coat with dressing. In two serving bowls add 1 cup of cooked quinoa to each, top with salad mixture and juices split between the two and 1/4 cup pecans each. Garnish with Queso Blanco a pinch of salt and fresh ground pepper. 

RASPBERRY VINAIGRETTE:

2 cups fresh Raspberries 

3 TBS of olive oil

2 TBS Balsalmic Vinegar

2 TBS honey

1/5 tsp fresh lemon juice

2 TBS purple onion

1 garlic clove

1 tsp salt

1/4 tsp pepper

Place all ingredients in a blender and puree. Since raspberries can be very sweet or very tart, taste to adjust sweetness to your liking.