Quinoa and Wild Rice Delight with Walnut Dressing

Quinoa and Wild Rice Delight with Walnut Dressing

Quinoa and Wild Rice Delight with Walnut Dressing is a nutritious and hearty dish that combines the rich, nutty flavors of wild rice and quinoa with the crunch and earthiness of walnuts in a delightful dressing. This dish is perfect as a main course or a satisfying side. It’s packed with protein, healthy fats, and a variety of textures and flavors.

Ingredients:

For the Salad:
– 1/2 cup quinoa
– 1/2 cup wild rice
– 2 cups water (for cooking the quinoa and wild rice)
– 1/2 cup chopped red bell pepper
– 1/2 cup chopped cucumber
– 1/4 cup chopped red onion
– 1/4 cup dried cranberries
– 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

For the Walnut Dressing:
– 1/2 cup walnut halves
– 3 tablespoons olive oil
– 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
– 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
– 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
– Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Cook the Quinoa and Wild Rice:
– Rinse the quinoa under cold water to remove any bitterness.
– In a medium saucepan, combine the quinoa, wild rice, and water.
– Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat, cover, and simmer for about 15-20 minutes or until both the quinoa and wild rice are tender. Drain any excess water if necessary.
– Remove from the heat and let it cool.

2. Prepare the Walnut Dressing:
– In a small blender or food processor, combine the walnut halves, olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey or maple syrup, and Dijon mustard.
– Blend until smooth. If the dressing is too thick, you can add a little water to reach the desired consistency.
– Season with salt and pepper to taste.

3. Assemble the Salad:
– In a large bowl, combine the cooked quinoa and wild rice, chopped red bell pepper, chopped cucumber, chopped red onion, dried cranberries, crumbled feta cheese, and chopped fresh parsley.
– Pour the walnut dressing over the top and toss to combine.

4. Serve:
– Serve the salad chilled or at room temperature. It makes for a great dish on its own or as a side to grilled meats or fish.

This Quinoa and Wild Rice Delight with Walnut Dressing is sure to become a favorite with its blend of wholesome ingredients and vibrant flavors. Bon appétit!