BEST APPLE PISTACHIO QUINOA SALAD

Edit


Ingredients

1/2 cup red or plain quinoa

1 cup chicken broth, veggie broth, or water

5 ounces spinach 1/2 of a 10 ounce bag

1 large apple I used Pink Lady

1 large pear

2 teaspoons lemon juice

1 cup shelled pistachios

1/3 cup dried cranberries I use dried cranberries + dried cherries mix

Lemon Poppyseed Dressing

 4 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice

1/4 teaspoon lemon zest

1/4 teaspoon onion powder

1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard do not use regular mustard

1/4 teaspoon salt

3 tablespoons white sugar

1/3 cup vegetable oil

1/2 tablespoon poppyseeds

Instructions

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!

Source : https://www.chelseasmessyapron.com/apple-pistachio-quinoa-salad/