Quinoa & Veggie Salad with Apples, Dried Berries, Walnuts & Cheddar

Directions

In a bowl, rinse the quinoa with water, rubbing it between your fingers for about 10 seconds. Drain and transfer it to a 3-quart pot.

Add 2½ cups water and ¼ teaspoon salt and bring to a boil over medium-high heat.

Reduce the heat to medium low and simmer, covered, until the quinoa is tender but still delicately crunchy, 14 to 16 minutes. Drain the quinoa and return it to the pot.

Cover and let the quinoa rest for 5 minutes, then fluff it with a fork. Allow to cool to room temperature.

While the quinoa cooks, heat 2 tablespoons of the vegetable oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat.

Stir in the onion and a pinch of salt, cook, stirring constantly, until tender and brown around the edges, about 7 minutes.

Stir in the balsamic vinegar and toss with the onions until the vinegar has been evaporated, 1 to 2 minutes. Remove from the heat and allow cool to room temperature.

In a large bowl, combine the quinoa, onions, arugula, cheese, celery, apple, walnuts, fennel, and cranberries.

In a small bowl, add the remaining good olive oil with the sherry vinegar, ¼ salt, and some freshly ground black pepper.

Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to evenly coat. Allow the flavor to develop for about 10 to 15 minutes, season to taste with salt and pepper if needed.

Divide among the serving plates and serve.