Brian does most of the cooking at home for his wife, Kristina, and their two small children, but this salad is one of Kristina’s specialties. She adapts it to the season, but quinoa is always the starting point. Nutty and quick cooking, quinoa is high in protein and will hold up for about an hour after it’s dressed. Serve this refreshing winter salad with pork, chicken, or fish, or with feta for a meatless meal.
Recipe information
Yield
serves 6
Ingredients
Dressing
Preparation
Step 1
Preheat the oven to 400°F. Wrap the beets in a loose aluminum-foil package, sealing the package tightly. Bake until the beets are tender when pierced with the tip of a paring knife, 45 minutes to 1 hour. When cool enough to handle, peel the beets and cut into 3/4-inch dice.
Step 2
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Add the quinoa and cook until tender, about 12 minutes. Drain and spread on a sheet pan to cool.
Step 3
Cut a slice off both ends of each orange so they will stand upright. Stand each orange on a work surface and, using a sharp knife, remove all the peel and membrane by slicing from top to bottom all the way around the orange, following the contour of the fruit. Cut the oranges into 3/4-inch cubes.
Step 4
Put the cooled quinoa in a large bowl. Add the beets, oranges, scallions, and walnuts.
Step 5
For the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the vinegar, mustard, and honey. Gradually whisk in the oils. Season with salt and pepper. Add to the salad and toss to coat. Taste, adjust the seasoning, and serve.
