QUINOA BEET SALAD

Quinoa Beet Salad image

Provided by Francine Lizotte

Time 45m

Number Of Ingredients 24

SALAD
3 large beets (steamed, cooked or baked), skins removed and cubed into bite-sized pieces
1 c quinoa, pre-soaked for at least 2 hours, rinsed and drained
2 c water
3/4 tsp ground himalayan sea salt, or to taste and divided
3 c lettuce (romaine, butter or spinach), torn into pieces
1/2 large english cucumber, peeled and quartered
3 medium mandarin oranges, peeled and segmented
1/2 c walnuts, chopped
1/4 c celery, chopped
1/4 tsp cayenne pepper, or to taste
1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper, or to taste (i always use mixed peppercorns)
150 g (5 to 6 oz.) goat cheese, crumbled and divided
VINAIGRETTE
1/4 c grapeseed oil
2 Tbsp freshly squeezed orange juice
1 Tbsp balsamic vinegar
1/2 Tbsp honey (substitute agave nectar)
1 tsp orange zest
1 tsp dijon mustard
1/8 tsp cayenne pepper, or more to taste
1/2 tsp ground himalayan sea salt, or to taste
1 tsp freshly ground black pepper, or to taste (i always use mixed peppercorns)
2 Tbsp shallots, finely chopped

Steps:

1. After beets are cooked, plunge them in an ice water bath until cool; remove skins and cube into bite-sized pieces.
2. In a medium saucepan, add drained quinoa, water and ¼ tsp. salt; stir well. Bring the mixture to a boil, cover and reduce heat to low; cook for 15 minutes. Remove from heat and let it sit for 5 to 8 minutes.
3. Meanwhile, in a measuring cup or bowl, add grapeseed oil, orange juice, balsamic vinegar, honey, orange zest, Dijon mustard, cayenne, ½ tsp. salt, black pepper and shallots; whisk until well blended. Transfer to the fridge until needed.
4. Back to the quinoa, using a fork, fluff up and let it cool further, uncovered.
5. Meanwhile assemble the salad; in a large bowl, add lettuce, cucumber, orange segments, walnuts, celery, and quinoa. Toss gently and season with cayenne pepper, salt and freshly ground black pepper, toss again. Add beets and 5 ½ ounces goat cheese. Drizzle with vinaigrette and toss again; add more vinaigrette as desired.
6. When serving, sprinkle on the remaining crumbled goat cheese.
7. To view this recipe on YouTube, click on this link >>>> https://youtu.be/otxbr5qF8Gg