Apple Pistachio Quinoa Salad

• Gluten free

• Produce

  • 1 Apple, large
  • 1/3 cup Cranberries, dried
  • 1/4 tsp Lemon, zest
  • 1/4 tsp Onion powder
  • 1 Pear, large
  • 5 oz Spinach

• Canned Goods

  • 1 cup Chicken broth

• Condiments

  • 1/2 tsp Dijon mustard
  • 2 tsp Lemon juice
  • 4 tbsp Lemon juice, freshly squeezed

• Pasta & Grains

  • 1/2 cup Quinoa, red or plain

• Baking & Spices

  • 1/2 tbsp Poppyseeds
  • 1/4 tsp Salt
  • 3 tbsp White sugar

• Oils & Vinegars

  • 1/3 cup Vegetable oil

• Nuts & Seeds

  • 1 cup Pistachios

Found on chelseasmessyapron.com

Description

Directions

• Prepare the quinoa by rinsing it in cold water in a fine mesh sieve. This removes the bitter saponin coating.
• Combine the quinoa and water, or broth in a small pot over high heat. Bring to a boil and then reduce the heat to low and cover the pot.
• Cook until all of the liquid has absorbed and the quinoa has popped. Remove the lid and allow the quinoa to sit for 3-4 minutes. Pour in 3-4 tablespoons of the dressing (make while the quinoa is cooking) and stir well.
• Place the quinoa in a bowl in the fridge.
• While the quinoa is cooking, prep the other ingredients starting with the dressing. Combine the lemon juice, lemon zest, onion powder, dijon mustard, salt and sugar in a blender or food processor. Blend or pulse until completely smooth. Slowly pour in the vegetable oil and blend.
• Stir in the poppyseeds.
• For the rest of the salad:
• Rinse and dry the spinach. Remove the stems and place in the bowl with the completely cooled quinoa.
• Slice the apple and pear into thin slices (or chop) You can remove the skins if desired, but I love them on! Toss the pear and apple with the lemon juice and then add to the salad.
• Add in the pistachios and dried cranberries + dried cherries.
• Toss all of the ingredients together with the dressing and enjoy immediately.
• If not enjoying immediately, do not add the dressing until right before eating.
• If desired, add some grilled chicken or cheese to this salad. We like feta or shredded swiss cheese best!