Discover the vibrant and refreshing world of salads with our delightful Quince Quinoa Sprout Salad! This unique dish combines the nutty flavor of quinoa, the crispness of fresh sprouts, and the sweet-tart essence of quince, all beautifully complemented by toasted walnuts. Perfect for a light lunch or as a stunning side dish at your next gathering, this salad not only tantalizes your taste buds but also packs a nutritional punch. With just 35 minutes of prep and cooking time, you can whip up this gourmet salad that will leave your guests asking for seconds. Dive into the recipe and elevate your salad game today!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Salad
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup quinoa
- 2 cups water
- 1 cup sprouts
- 1 quince, diced
- 1/4 cup walnuts, chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Rinse the quinoa thoroughly under cold water using a fine-mesh strainer to remove any bitter coating.
- In a medium saucepan, combine the quinoa and water. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to low, cover, and simmer for about 15 minutes until water is absorbed and quinoa is fluffy.
- Remove quinoa from heat and let it rest, covered, for 5 minutes. Then fluff with a fork and allow to cool to room temperature.
- While quinoa is cooling, prepare the quince by washing, peeling, and cutting into small, uniform dice.
- Toast the chopped walnuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-4 minutes, stirring constantly to prevent burning, until they become fragrant and lightly golden.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled quinoa, diced quince, fresh sprouts, and toasted walnuts.
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper to create the dressing.
- Pour the dressing over the salad and gently toss to ensure all ingredients are evenly coated.
- Taste and adjust seasoning as needed, adding more salt, pepper, or lemon juice to balance flavors.
- Chill for 10 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld together.
Tips
- Rinse Your Quinoa: Always rinse quinoa thoroughly before cooking to remove its natural coating, called saponin, which can impart a bitter taste. Use a fine-mesh strainer for the best results.
- Perfectly Fluffy Quinoa: For fluffy quinoa, ensure you let it rest covered after cooking for 5 minutes. This step allows the grains to steam and separate nicely.
- Choosing Quince: When selecting quince, look for firm fruits with a bright yellow color. They should be free of blemishes for the best flavor and texture.
- Toast Your Walnuts: Toasting walnuts enhances their flavor and adds a delightful crunch. Keep an eye on them while toasting, as they can burn quickly.
- Customize Your Dressing: Feel free to experiment with the dressing! Add a touch of honey for sweetness or a pinch of chili flakes for a spicy kick to elevate the flavors.
- Chill Before Serving: Allowing the salad to chill for about 10 minutes after tossing helps the flavors meld together, creating a more harmonious taste.
- Serving Suggestions: This salad pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken or fish, making it a versatile addition to any meal.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 10g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
