Quinoa Salad with Apples, Walnuts and Aged Cheddar

Of all the items on our meal plan this week, it was this salad that garnered the most interest.  There were requests for recipes via email and in the comments, and I'm happy to oblige.

It's nothing more than a simple pairing of whole grains, crisp apple, toasted walnuts, crunchy celery and aged cheddar.  Then it's lightly enhanced with a maple vinaigrette.

It's a perfect meal on it's own, or paired with some roasted chicken or bruschetta. The quinoa can be made in advance which is a great time saver.  I like to make mine in the morning before work, while I'm putting together breakfast, and then I only have to add in a few things when I get home.  

And for those who are wondering if my kids really eat this, they honestly do.  I wouldn't say it ranks in their top five favourite foods, but they eat it despite Jack's aversion to nuts and Ben's dislike for cheese (unless it's melted of course).  Oh, and they both "can't stand" salad dressing, but the maple one here made the cut this week.

Quinoa Salad with Apples, Walnuts and Aged Cheddar

• 1 cup quinoa
• 2 cups water
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 apple, cored and diced (used a crunchy variety)
• 3 celery stalks, trimmed and sliced on a bias
• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (toasting is optional)
• 2/3 cup aged cheddar cheese, diced
• 1 tablespoon cider vinegar
• 2 teaspoons maple syrup
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• salt and pepper, to taste

Combine the quinoa, water and salt in a small saucepan and bring to a boil.  Cover with a lid and reduce heat to a simmer.  Allow to cook for 15 minutes.  Remove from the stove and fluff with a fork.  Set aside and allow to cool.

In a small bowl whisk together the cider vinegar, maple syrup and Dijon mustard.  Slowly drizzle in the olive oil, while continuously whisking.  Set aside.

If toasting the walnuts, place them in a skillet set over medium high heat and cook for 5-10 minutes or until fragrant.  Shake the pan around a few times to toast all sides.

In a large bowl combine the quinoa, apples, celery, walnuts and cheese.  Drizzle the dressing over top and toss to stir everything together.  Season with salt and pepper and serve.

 

 

Comments

[Paula]

Totally understandably why you rec'd requests for this recipe. The salad look so lovely. Nice that the boys do eat it too ;)

[Saraht]

Oh, yum! Thanks so much! I am making this for dinner tonight. I just found your blog this week and I love it!

[Ann]

This looks yummy and so timely, since last night I looked at my jar of quinoa and thought, "I need to make a salad with quinoa this weekend." It's on the menu for tonight's dinner.
Last night I made your bacon biscuits with maple butter for dinner. They were FABULOUS. Everyone raved about them--my food picky son said, "Mom, these are great and contain my favorite flavors, bacon and maple. Make them again soon."
Your recipes are always a hit here. Thanks!

[Jan Scott]

Thanks, Ann!  Thats so nice of you to say.  I hope you liked the salad.

[Jan Scott]

Thanks!  I hope you liked it....

[Lauren]

I can't wait to add this to the dinner menu this week!

[Emily @ Random Recycling]

This looks great. Love eating whole grains and salads like this make them so much better!

[Jan Scott]

Thanks, Emily!  I love grain salads too.

[susan]

Loved this salad! Thanks for sharing it! I added some fresh spinach and pepitas too.

[Jan Scott]

Glad you liked it!!

[Livey D.]

Do You need walnuts and mustard? My kids don't like mustard and we don't have any walnuts? Great recipe!!

[Jan]

Lively - The nuts are completely optional - feel free to replace them with seeds if you prefer. As for the mustard, it helps to emulsify the dressing but you can skip it if you prefer.

[Anne]

Hi, where is the bacon biscuits recipe somebody here is raving about? Getting curious but cannot find it in your index?

[Jan Scott]

Hi Anne! Heres the link to bacon biscuits...

http://mixingbowlkids.typepad.com/family_bites/2011/03/buttermilk-bacon-biscuits-with-maple-butter.html

jan