Category Side Dishes,Soup & Salad,Vegan,Vegetarian

Quinoa Salad with Caramelized Onions, Dates and Honey Orange Dressing

Ingredient List

For quinoa:
1 cup quinoa (red, white, tri-colored), rinsed
2 cups water
2 tsp coconut oil
1/2 cup sliced onion
2 tsp extra virgin olive oil
Sea Salt
Pepper
6 dates, pitted and chopped
1/4 cup pepitas
1/4 cup shredded unsweetened coconut (optional)
2 tbsp freshly chopped cilantro (optional)

For Dressing:
1 garlic clove, minced
1 tbsp honey
1 orange, juiced or 1/2 cup orange juice
1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
1/2 cup olive oil
Zest of one orange
Sea Salt
Pepper

Directions

Heat coconut oil in medium pan. Add quinoa and stir until coated. Add water. Bring to a boil, then cover and turn down to a simmer for about 15 minutes or until water is fully absorbed. Let cool.
Meanwhile, heat 2 tsp olive oil in small sauté pan. Add onion. Season with salt and pepper and cook for about 8 minutes until onions are soft, translucent and slightly browned. Remove from heat and let cool.
Prepare dressing: Combine honey, garlic, vinegar and orange juice in small bowl. Whisk in olive oil. Stir in zest. Set aside.
In a medium bowl, combine quinoa, onion, pepitas, shredded coconut, cilantro and dates. Stir in dressing and mix until well coated.
Serve as a side or mix into your favorite green salad!