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Colorful Autumn Harvest Grain Salad with Cranberries That Amazes in 5 Steps

Colorful Autumn Harvest Grain Salad with Cranberries

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Colorful Autumn Harvest Grain Salad with Cranberries offers a simple tasty way to enjoy fall flavors in just 5 easy steps

Ingredients

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  • 1 cup quinoa, rinsed and drained
  • 1 cup farro, cooked and drained
  • 1 cup dried cranberries
  • 1 medium apple, diced (about 1 cup)
  • 1 cup chopped kale, stems removed
  • 0.5 cup chopped walnuts, toasted
  • 0.5 cup crumbled feta cheese
  • 1 small red onion, finely diced
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • 0.25 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon maple syrup
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Instructions

  • Start by rinsing the quinoa under cold water to remove any bitterness. Cook the quinoa in 2 cups of water, bringing it to a boil first, then reduce the heat and simmer covered for 15 minutes or until the water is absorbed. For the farro, cook according to package instructions, usually about 20-25 minutes in boiling salted water until tender but still chewy. Drain both grains well and let them cool slightly to prevent sogginess.
  • While the grains are cooking, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, apple cider vinegar, maple syrup, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Taste and adjust seasoning to achieve a balanced sweet-tart flavor.
  • Dice the apple, finely chop the kale, red onion, and parsley. Toast the walnuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-5 minutes, shaking the pan occasionally until fragrant to release their flavor.
  • In a large bowl, toss the cooked quinoa, farro, dried cranberries, diced apple, kale, red onion, parsley, and toasted walnuts. Pour the dressing over the salad and mix gently but thoroughly to allow the grains to soak up the dressing.
  • Sprinkle crumbled feta cheese over the top just before serving to preserve its creamy texture.
  • Let the salad sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the cranberries to soften and release sweetness. Toss gently before serving.
  • Notes

    A wholesome and colorful autumn salad featuring quinoa, farro, dried cranberries, kale, apple, toasted walnuts, and feta cheese tossed in a tangy sweet-tart dressing. Perfect as a nutritious meal or side dish with a balance of textures and flavors.