Dips and Delights: Quinoa Berry Salad

Dips and Delights: Quinoa Berry Salad

American Dairy-free Gluten-free Lunch Salad Soy-free Vegan Vegetarian

Put down the cookies. Move away from the cheese spread. This nutritious quinoa berry salad will lead you into a deliciously healthy new year. You don’t have to eat boring to eat well, and this salad is perfected with a side of crunchy Way Better Snacks and a sprinkling of sweet candied pecans. The brightness of fresh strawberries offers a touch of spring during the cold winter months. If you’d like to stay more seasonal, cranberries would be a delightful addition, as well. Looking to bulk it up? Add grilled chicken or another lean protein for a filling and complete meal to usher you into a healthy and thriving New Year!

Quinoa Berry Salad

From Hoy Comimos Costa Rica Food Blog

Ingredients

½ cups of pecans or nuts of your choice

2 tablespoons brown sugar

2 cups fresh strawberries

3 cups arugula

½ quinoa

¼ cup balsamic vinegar

¼ cup olive oil

1 tablespoon honey

1 teaspoon chili flakes

1 bag Way Better Snacks Multi-Grain tortilla chips

Preparation

Dressing preparation

In a mason jar combine the vinegar, oil, honey, chili flakes and a pinch of salt. Shake the jar until all the ingredients are combined. Add more honey or vinegar to taste and shake again. The dressing can be used right away, but it tastes better if you let it sit in a refrigerator for at least one hour.

Salad preparation

Cook the quinoa as instructed in the package. Once cooked let it sit and cool completely.

In a bowl, mix the pecans, the brown sugar, a pinch of salt and ¼ cup of water. Mix everything well so the sugar dissolves and the pecans all completely covered. Add the pecans and the syrup to a pan on low heat, stirring frequently until the water evaporates. Chop the caramelized pecans in big chunks and reserve for later. Wash and drain the strawberries and cut into quarters. Wash and drain the arugula. Chop roughly the arugula and add it to a salad bowl. Add the cooled quinoa, the caramelized pecan and the strawberries and mix well. Top with dressing and serve.