Winter Quinoa Salad with Honey-Ginger Vinaigrette

Quinoa is an ancient grain cultivated by the Incas and now widely eaten in South America. It is a good source of protein, and together with Brussels sprouts and a gingery dressing, it makes a simple, flavorful salad in the fall and winter.

Ingredients:

1 cup uncooked quinoa

1 tsp salt

¼ lb Brussels sprouts, trimmed and thinly sliced (about 2 cups) (see note)

1 clove garlic, peeled and minced

2 Tbsp fresh ginger, finely grated

2 Tbsp honey

2 Tbsp apple cider vinegar

¼ cup extra virgin olive oil

¼ – ½ tsp ground black pepper

½ cup dried cranberries (or dried fruit of your choice)

½ cup toasted pumpkin seeds

Equipment:

Measuring cups and spoons

Pot with a lid

Fine mesh strainer

Cooktop

Cutting board

Kitchen knife

Jar with a lid OR other container for dressing

Large bowl

Ingredients:

1 cup uncooked quinoa

1 tsp salt

¼ lb Brussels sprouts, trimmed and thinly sliced (about 2 cups) (see note)

1 clove garlic, peeled and minced

2 Tbsp fresh ginger, finely grated

2 Tbsp honey

2 Tbsp apple cider vinegar

¼ cup extra virgin olive oil

¼ – ½ tsp ground black pepper

½ cup dried cranberries (or dried fruit of your choice)

½ cup toasted pumpkin seeds

Equipment:

Measuring cups and spoons

Pot with a lid

Fine mesh strainer

Cooktop

Cutting board

Kitchen knife

Jar with a lid OR other container for dressing

Large bowl

Directions:

  1. Gather all the ingredients and equipment. Wash the produce and prepare it as detailed in the ingredients list.
  2. Measure the quinoa into a bowl, cover with water and give it a stir. Pour into a fine mesh strainer to remove the liquid, then add to a medium saucepan with 2 cups water and 1 tsp salt. Bring to a boil, cover, and turn heat to low. Cook for 15 to 20 minutes, until the water is absorbed.
  3. Remove the pan from the heat, let sit for at least 10 minutes, then transfer to a bowl and fluff with a fork.
  4. Combine the garlic, ginger, honey, apple cider vinegar, olive oil, remaining ½ tsp salt, and black pepper to taste in a jar with a lid (or another container) and shake or mix thoroughly.
  5. In a large bowl, toss together the quinoa, Brussels sprouts, cranberries, pumpkin seeds, and the vinaigrette.

Note about Brussel Sprouts: other wintery greens like kale, collards, Swiss chard, and spinach work as substitutes.