Healthy Dinner Options

The best part of holiday cooking is the variety you can bring to the table. It's going to be difficult for even those with quirky eating habits to walk away empty handed. The quinoa in the salad is full of protein for those in the crowd who may not like meat. Between the dried cranberries and the homemade dressing, you should have a nice sweetness to the salad as well.

Quinoa Wilted Spinach Salad

Ingredients:
2 c. water              1 c. quinoa, rinsed          6 oz fresh spinach          1/2 c. dried cranberries
3 tbsp. olive oil      2 tbsp. orange juice       1 tbsp. red wine vinegar  1 tbsp. maple syrup
1/2 tsp. minced garlic        1/2 tsp. salt        1/8 tsp. pepper                1 green onion, chopped
1/2 c. chopped pecans

Directions:

1. In a small saucepan, bring water to a boil.  
2. Add quinoa.
3. Reduce heat, cover and simmer for 12-15 minutes or until water is absorbed.
4. Remove from heat and fluff with a fork.
5. In a large bowl, combine quinoa, spinach and cranberries.
6. For dressing, whisk oil, orange juice, vinegar, maple syrup, garlic, salt and pepper.
7. Stir in onion.
8. Pour over quinoa mixture and toss to coat.
9. Sprinkle with pecans.

Now that we've covered healthy, it's time to move on to one of my favorites - the bread/rolls option for this meal. Come back tomorrow and, as always, have fun!