Grilled Fig Balsamic Quinoa (Printable Version)
Smoky grilled figs meet nutty quinoa and crisp greens in a tangy balsamic dressing.
# What You'll Need:
→ Grains
01 - 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
02 - 2 cups water
03 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
→ Produce
04 - 8 fresh figs, halved
05 - 2 cups arugula or mixed salad greens
06 - 1/2 small red onion, thinly sliced
07 - 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint
08 - 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
→ Cheese & Nuts
09 - 1/3 cup crumbled goat cheese (optional)
10 - 1/4 cup toasted walnuts or pecans, roughly chopped
→ Dressing
11 - 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
12 - 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
13 - 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
14 - 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
15 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
# How To Make:
01 - Combine quinoa, water, and salt in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes or until the water is absorbed. Remove from heat and let stand, covered, for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork and cool to room temperature.
02 - Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Lightly brush fig halves with a little olive oil. Grill figs, cut side down, for 2–3 minutes until grill marks appear and figs are softened. Remove and let cool slightly.
03 - In a small bowl or jar, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey or maple syrup, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until emulsified.
04 - In a large salad bowl, toss cooled quinoa with arugula, red onion, mint, and parsley. Drizzle with dressing and toss gently to coat.
05 - Arrange grilled figs over the salad. Sprinkle with goat cheese and toasted nuts. Serve immediately, or chill for up to 2 hours before serving for a more refreshing salad.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- Those smoky grilled figs turn an ordinary grain salad into something people cant stop talking about
- The quinoa soaks up that balsamic dressing like it was made for each other, and the whole thing comes together in under an hour
02 -
- Hot quinoa will wilt your greens and make the whole thing soggy, so really let it cool before tossing
- Overripe figs will disintegrate on the grill, so choose firm ones with a little give when you press them
03 -
- Taste your figs before grilling, and if they're not very sweet, add an extra half teaspoon of honey to the dressing
- Let the dressed salad sit for 5 minutes before serving so the quinoa really absorbs those flavors