A few weeks ago I made this amazing orzo salad, but the pasta left me feeling weighed down. The dressing was what was so fantastic: white wine vinegar, mustard, shallots. I wanted to recreate a healthier version while still staying true to what I loved about the original recipe. Sam helped me throw this together for a picnic we went to where the crowd had some serious diet restrictions. Think allergic to nuts, gluten-intolerant, and vegan. This would also make a great addition to your Fourth of July menus!
Summer Quinoa Saladbased on this recipe from Sunset Magazine
You will need:
1 pound fresh green beans
1 1/2 cups dried quinoa (8 oz.)
3 ears fresh corn
1/2 cup white wine vinegar
1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
1/2 cup minced shallots
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
2 tablespoons minced fresh tarragon or 2 teaspoons dried tarragon
Salt and pepper
2 cups cherry tomatoes (12 oz.), rinsed, stemmed, and cut in half
Method:
1. In a 5- to 6-quart pan over high heat, bring about 2 quarts water to a boil. Meanwhile, rinse green beans, trim off ends, and pull off any strings. Cut into 2- to 3-inch lengths. Add beans to boiling water and cook until barely tender to bite, 3 to 5 minutes. Drain and immerse in ice water until cold; drain well.
2. Fill same pan with 2 1/2 to 3 quarts water and bring to a boil over high heat. Add quinoa and follow instructions on back of box. Drain and rinse with cold water; drain well.
3. Meanwhile, husk corn, discarding silk; rinse ears. Holding each ear upright in a large, deep bowl, cut off kernels close to the cob.
4. To make dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together vinegar, olive oil, shallots, mustard, tarragon, and salt and pepper to taste.
5. In a large, wide bowl, mix orzo with 1/2 cup of the dressing. Add more salt and pepper to taste. Spread level. Layer corn kernels, green beans, and tomatoes over pasta. Pour remaining dressing into a container. Cover and chill both salad and dressing until ready to serve.
6. Shortly before serving, pour three-fourths of the remaining dressing over salad and mix gently to blend. Add more dressing and salt and pepper to taste.
see more recipes here.
