Midwest Summer Harvest Quinoa Salad

A refreshing and healthy summer salad originating from the Midwest region of the United States, featuring a mix of roasted vegetables, quinoa, and a tangy apple cider vinaigrette.

🛒 Ingredients

• 1 cup Quinoa
• 4 cups Mixed greens
• 1 cup Roasted sweet potatoes
• 1 cup Roasted carrots
• 1 cup Diced red bell pepper
• 1 cup Chopped apple
• 4 pieces Crispy bacon
• 1/4 cup Crumbled blue cheese
• 2 tablespoons Apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon Honey
• 1 tablespoon Olive oil

👨‍🍳 Instructions

1. 1

   Step 1: Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Toss the sweet potatoes and carrots with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, salt, and pepper on a baking sheet. Roast for 20-25 minutes, or until tender.

2. 2

   Step 2: Cook the quinoa according to package instructions. Typically, this involves boiling 2 cups of water with 1 cup of quinoa, then reducing heat to low and simmering for 15-20 minutes, or until the water is absorbed.

3. 3

   Step 3: In a large bowl, combine the mixed greens, roasted sweet potatoes, roasted carrots, diced red bell pepper, chopped apple, crispy bacon, and crumbled blue cheese.

4. 4

   Step 4: In a small bowl, whisk together the apple cider vinegar and honey until well combined. Slowly drizzle in the olive oil while continuously whisking until smooth.

5. 5

   Step 5: Add the cooked quinoa to the large bowl with the mixed greens mixture. Pour the apple cider vinaigrette over the top and toss to combine.

6. 6

   Step 6: Season with salt and pepper to taste.

7. 7

   Step 7: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

8. 8

   Step 8: Just before serving, give the salad a good toss and adjust the seasoning as needed.

💡 Pro Tips

Make sure to roast the sweet potatoes and carrots until tender, but not too soft. Use a variety of apple for the best flavor. If using blue cheese, crumble it just before serving to avoid it becoming too strong. Store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

📊 Nutrition per Serving