Mizuna Quinoa Salad with Lemon Scallion Vinaigrette

 In

Mizuna Quinoa Salad with Lemon Scallion Vinaigrette

Yields1 Serving
 2 cups dry quinoa
  1 bunch mizuna, stems removed, chopped into bite size pieces
  green tops of 2 scallions, sliced
  1 cup diced radishes or kohlrabi (optional)
  1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese
  1/2 cup dried cranberries
  1/2 cup pecans
  salt + pepper to taste
  1/2 cup olive oil
  juice from half a lemon
  1 tsp dijon mustard
  green + white parts of 2 scallions, minced
  salt + pepper to taste
1

Cook the quinoa according to package instructions. I placed it in a pot with 4 cups of water, bring to a boil, cover, and simmer for about 20 minutes. Remove from heat and fluff with a fork. Let cool to room temperature before tossing with the mizuna leaves. (If you want the mizuna to “cook” a little toss it with the hot quinoa and then follow the recipe as written.)

2

Combine dressing ingredients in a jar and shake to combine. Toss the mizuna, radish or kohlrabi (if using), quinoa, and dressing together. Taste and season with salt and pepper if necessary.

3

Toast the pecans. Place the pecans in a small skillet over medium heat. Toast, stirring frequently. You’ll know the pecans are toasted when they smell toasty and start to brown. Remove from the pan right away so they don’t burn.

4

Fold the scallions, pecans, blue cheese, and cranberries into the salad. Serve at once or chilled. This salad holds up well if you want to make it a day in advance for a party.

Ingredients

 2 cups dry quinoa
  1 bunch mizuna, stems removed, chopped into bite size pieces
  green tops of 2 scallions, sliced
  1 cup diced radishes or kohlrabi (optional)
  1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese
  1/2 cup dried cranberries
  1/2 cup pecans
  salt + pepper to taste
  1/2 cup olive oil
  juice from half a lemon
  1 tsp dijon mustard
  green + white parts of 2 scallions, minced
  salt + pepper to taste

Directions

1

Cook the quinoa according to package instructions. I placed it in a pot with 4 cups of water, bring to a boil, cover, and simmer for about 20 minutes. Remove from heat and fluff with a fork. Let cool to room temperature before tossing with the mizuna leaves. (If you want the mizuna to “cook” a little toss it with the hot quinoa and then follow the recipe as written.)

2

Combine dressing ingredients in a jar and shake to combine. Toss the mizuna, radish or kohlrabi (if using), quinoa, and dressing together. Taste and season with salt and pepper if necessary.

3

Toast the pecans. Place the pecans in a small skillet over medium heat. Toast, stirring frequently. You’ll know the pecans are toasted when they smell toasty and start to brown. Remove from the pan right away so they don’t burn.

4

Fold the scallions, pecans, blue cheese, and cranberries into the salad. Serve at once or chilled. This salad holds up well if you want to make it a day in advance for a party.

Notes

Mizuna Quinoa Salad with Lemon Scallion Vinaigrette