Quinoa Salad with Lemon-Shallot Dressing Recipe

Photo: Andrew Purcell
"This quinoa salad is delicious with Marcona almonds, but I sometimes substitute toasted pine nuts, because everything tastes better with toasted pine nuts!" —Oprah Winfrey
Serves 4
Ingredients
Directions
Active time: 30 minutes
Total time: 1 hour
In a medium pot, bring 2 cups water to a boil. Add quinoa, cover, reduce heat to medium-low and simmer until liquid is absorbed, 15 to 20 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside, covered, for 5 minutes more. Uncover, fluff with a fork and spread out on a baking sheet or large platter to let cool.
Meanwhile, in a medium bowl, whisk together shallots, vinegar, mustard, garlic, lemon zest and juice, salt black pepper and cayenne. Whisk in oil.
Zest orange into a large bowl. Using a paring knife, cut and discard peel and pith from orange. Cut between membranes to release segments; roughly chop and add to bowl with zest. Add cooled quinoa, hearts of palm, mango, cucumber and almonds. Toss gently to combine. Drizzle vinaigrette on top and toss again to coat. Serve immediately.