Spiced Pear and Walnut Quinoa Salad

This warming grain salad combines fluffy quinoa with sweet pears and toasted walnuts, all brought together with aromatic warming spices. It works beautifully as a side dish or light main course.

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 cups Tricolor Quinoa
  • 3 cups vegetable broth
  • 2 ripe pears, cored and diced
  • 1 cup Walnuts, roughly chopped
  • 1/4 cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil
  • 2 tablespoons Apple Cider Vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon Duck River Honey
  • 1 teaspoon Ceylon Cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon Ginger
  • 1/4 teaspoon Nutmeg
  • 1/2 teaspoon Redmond Real Salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon Black Pepper
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

*Bolded ingredients are products we typically carry at Tare Bulk Foods.

Directions

  1. Rinse quinoa until water runs clear. Bring vegetable broth to boil in medium saucepan.
  2. Add quinoa, reduce heat to low, cover and simmer 15 minutes until liquid is absorbed. Remove from heat and let stand 5 minutes, then fluff with fork.
  3. Meanwhile, toast walnuts in dry skillet over medium heat for 3-4 minutes until fragrant.
  4. Whisk together olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, salt, and pepper.
  5. Combine warm quinoa, diced pears, toasted walnuts, and parsley in large bowl.
  6. Pour dressing over salad and toss gently to combine. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Notes

  • Substitute pecan halves for walnuts if preferred
  • Add dried cranberries for extra sweetness and color
  • Use white quinoa if tricolor is unavailable
  • Salad keeps refrigerated 3 days, bring to room temperature before serving