Transport yourself to the vibrant souks of Morocco with this tantalizing Moroccan-Spiced Lemon Dressing and Quinoa Apricot Spinach Salad. Bursting with exotic flavors and textures, this delectable dish is a symphony of sweet, tangy, and savory notes. Succulent quinoa, plump apricots, baby spinach, and toasted almonds come together in a vibrant medley, while the zesty lemon dressing, infused with aromatic Moroccan spices like cumin, coriander, and paprika, adds a burst of freshness and warmth. This flavor-packed salad is a delightful symphony of flavors and textures, perfect for a refreshing lunch, light dinner, or vibrant side dish. With a delightful crunch from the almonds and a hint of sweetness from the apricots, each bite offers a satisfying and unforgettable culinary experience. Join us on a culinary journey to Morocco as we explore this exquisite salad and its easy-to-follow recipe. Additionally, we'll uncover the secrets behind the tantalizing Moroccan-Spiced Lemon Dressing, a versatile condiment that will elevate any salad, grilled meats, or roasted vegetables.
Here are our top 3 tried and tested recipes!
SPINACH AND QUINOA SALAD WITH DRIED APRICOTS
This salad is so, so, SO pretty, and a cool example of how quinoa can play a supporting role in a salad. The play of leafy greens against the quinoa, punctuated by the tart chewiness of the dried apricots, the bite of the onion and the tanginess of the dressing, makes for a very exciting salad.
Provided by Katie Workman
Categories side-dish
Time 1h
Yield 4 to 6 servings
Number Of Ingredients 10
Steps:
- Heat 2 teaspoons of the olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat, then add the quinoa and cook, stirring frequently, for 2 minutes. Add the broth. Bring to a simmer over high heat, then reduce the heat to medium low and simmer, covered, for 15 to 18 minutes, until all of the water is absorbed.
- Spread the cooked quinoa out on a rimmed baking sheet to cool. In a small bowl or container, combine the lemon juice and remaining 2 tablespoons olive oil; season with salt and pepper.
- In a large serving bowl, mix together the spinach, apricots, onion and parsley if using and toss with the dressing. Lightly toss in the cooled quinoa. Sprinkle with the cheese and serve.
MOROCCAN-SPICED LEMON DRESSING AND QUINOA-APRICOT -SPINACH SALAD
This spicy salad with little jewels of dried apricot in the mix would be welcome at lunch or a simple weekday dinner. You can prepare the salad and dressing ahead of time. The dressing is inspired by the flavors of North Africa and is good drizzled on mixed green salads as well as grain salads. From From EatingWell magazine, Summer 2003, and The EatingWell Healthy in a Hurry Cookbook (2006). Posted for ZWT 6 - North Africa / Middle East Region.
Provided by kitty.rock
Categories Salad Dressings
Time 35m
Yield 4 salads, 4 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 20
Steps:
- TO PREPARE THE DRESSING:.
- Whisk lemon juice, yogurt, honey, cumin, cinnamon and ginger in a small bowl until blended.
- Slowly whisk in oil so that the dressing becomes smooth and emulsified.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- TO PREPARE THE SALAD:.
- Toast quinoa in a dry skillet over medium heat, stirring often, until it becomes aromatic and begins to crackle, about 5 minutes. Transfer to a fine sieve and rinse thoroughly.
- Heat oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add garlic and cook, stirring constantly, until golden, about 1 minute. Add apricots and the quinoa; continue cooking, stirring often, until the quinoa has dried out and turned light golden, 3 to 4 minutes. Add water and salt; bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer, uncovered, until the quinoa is tender and the liquid is absorbed, 15 to 18 minutes.
- Transfer the quinoa to a medium bowl and toss with 1/3 cup of the Moroccan-Spiced Lemon Dressing. Let cool for 10 minutes.
- Just before serving, add tomatoes and onion to the quinoa; toss to coat. Toss spinach with the remaining 1/3 cup dressing in a large bowl. Divide the spinach among 4 plates. Mound the quinoa salad on the spinach and sprinkle with almonds.
- SERVING SIZE = 2 cups spinach with approximately 1 cup quinoa mixture.
- MAKE AHEAD TIP: Prepare through Step 3. Cover and refrigerate the quinoa and dressing separately for up to 2 days.
- INGREDIENT NOTE: Quinoa is available in most natural-foods stores and the natural-foods sections of many supermarkets. Toasting this grain before simmering enhances its flavor.
- TO TOAST NUTS: Heat a small dry skillet over medium-low heat. Add nuts and cook, stirring, until lightly browned and fragrant, 2 to 3 minutes. Transfer to a bowl to cool.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 484.7, Fat 25.6, SaturatedFat 4, Cholesterol 24.4, Sodium 672.6, Carbohydrate 57.1, Fiber 6.6, Sugar 17.9, Protein 12
SPINACH SALAD WITH LEMON AND MINT
This salad is a snip, but then one would hardly expect a salad to cause trouble. Using a lemon rather than just lemon juice as an ingredient makes for the most fabulous salad regardless of leaves. And by all means, serve it as a starter rather than a follow-up on the main course. It is fresh, sharp, vegan and delicious.
Provided by Nigella Lawson
Categories quick, salads and dressings
Time 15m
Yield 6 servings
Number Of Ingredients 6
Steps:
- Cut off top and bottom of lemon, and slice off skin and pith. Cut lemon flesh into rounds 1/4-inch thick, then slice each round into eighths.
- In a salad bowl, combine lemon, mint, and salt. Season with pepper to taste. Add spinach and oil, and toss well. Garnish with additional mint, and serve.
Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 72, UnsaturatedFat 6 grams, Carbohydrate 2 grams, Fat 7 grams, Fiber 1 gram, Protein 1 gram, SaturatedFat 1 gram, Sodium 126 milligrams, Sugar 0 grams
Tips:
- For the best flavor, use fresh ingredients whenever possible.
- If you can't find quinoa, you can substitute another grain, such as brown rice or farro.
- If you don't have any dried apricots, you can use raisins or cranberries instead.
- To make the dressing ahead of time, simply whisk together the ingredients and store it in a jar in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- This salad is a great make-ahead meal. Simply assemble the salad and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Conclusion:
This Moroccan-Spiced Lemon Dressing and Quinoa Apricot Spinach Salad is a delicious and healthy dish that is perfect for a light lunch or dinner. The salad is packed with protein, fiber, and vitamins, and the dressing is a tangy and flavorful addition. This salad is also a great way to use up leftover quinoa. Enjoy!
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