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!