Quinoa Spinach and Raspberry Salad
Spinach salad with raspberry vinaigrette, paired with quinoa to create a wonderful blend of super foods.
Author: Ginger
Ingredients for Salad
- 1 cup tri-color or any quinoa
- 2 cups water
- 1/4 tsp. salt
- 1 Tbsp. sliced green onion
- 1- 11 oz. can mandarin oranges drained (or four fresh, peeled and sectioned)
- 4 oz. baby spinach use half of an 8 oz. bag, roughly chopped
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
- 2/3 cup fresh raspberries strawberries work too
- handful of cilantro or parsley chopped, for garnish
Ingredients for Raspberry Vinaigrette dressing
- 1/3 cup canola or vegetable oil
- 3 Tbsp. red wine vinegar
- 3 Tbsp. raspberry jam I like it with seeds
- 1/2 tsp. Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp. agave syrup or sugar
- dash of salt and pepper
Directions for Quinoa
Rinse quinoa in a fine-mesh strainer. Bring water to a boil in medium saucepan. Stir in quinoa and salt. Reduce heat; cover. Simmer 10 to 15 minutes or until water is absorbed and quinoa is fluffy. Transfer to bowl. Cool to room temperature. While quinoa is simmering, chop salad ingredients and set aside.
Directions for Vinaigrette
Directions for Salad Assembly
Combine cooked, cooled quinoa with all other salad ingredients, except raspberries and parsley/cilantro. Pour vinaigrette over the top and stir gently to combine. Serve on individual plates (or in bowls) and top each with a handful of raspberries and garnish with parsley or cilantro.