Mediterranean Spinach and Quinoa Salad

Baby spinach tossed with quinoa, white beans, raisins, oranges and feta cheese served with orange balsamic dressing

By: Desmond Fannin, Signature Chef

Prep Time: 20 min
Cook Time: 1 hr 10 min

RECIPE
REVIEWS (1)

Servings:

Yield: 6 Salads

Ingredients:

Salad Dressing
½ cup white balsamic vinegar
¼ cup orange juice
1 tablespoon olive oil
2½ tablespoons dill weed
1 tablespoon basil leaves
1 tablespoon granulated sugar

11 ounces red peppers
1¼ cup quinoa, raw
1 cup water
½ cup jumbo Kalamata olives, pitted and halved
1/3 cup red onions, fresh and halved lengthwise, sliced ¼ inch
1½ cups cannellini beans, canned, rinsed and drained
1 large bag (15 ounces) baby spinach
½ cup golden raisins
2/3 cup orange sections, fresh
½ cup feta cheese, crumbled
Vegetable oil spray
Non-stick pan spray

Allergens:

Nutritional Information

Mindful (Learn More)

Vegetarian

Directions:

Salad Dressing: Whisk vinegar, orange juice, olive oil, dill, basil and sugar together until well combined. Hold refrigerated for use.
Coat peppers with vegetable oil spray. Place on baking sheet.
Roast in a preheated 425°F oven for 15 to 20 minutes or until golden brown and charred. Cool quickly, dice ½ inch and hold cold for use.
Spray baking sheet with non-stick pan spray. Spread quinoa on pan and place in a preheated 425°F oven for 5 minutes or until quinoa starts to toast.
Place water and toasted quinoa in a sauce pot. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 40 to 45 minutes or until tender. Remove from heat and cover quinoa. Let stand for 5 to 10 minutes to absorb remaining liquid. Cook quickly.
Combine cooled quinoa, peppers, olives, onions, beans, spinach, raisins, orange segments and Salad Dressing. Toss until evenly coated. Plate immediately.
Top with feta.

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Amy F.

This recipe was featured as part of a food demonstration presentation highlighting quinoa. The group enjoyed the recipes; many of the participants never before having tasted quinoa. Overall, the recipe was a success, preparation easy. To make the food demo more exciting, I added the option of replacing the orange with pom seeds and in one batch I added 1 tablespoon of minced garlic.