• 1 cup quinoa, (see Ingredient note)
  • 2 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup dried apricots, coarsely chopped
  • 2 cups water
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 2/3 cup Moroccan-Spiced Lemon Dressing, (recipe follows), divided
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, or grape tomatoes, halved
  • 1 small red onion, chopped
  • 8 cups baby spinach
  • 1/4 cup sliced almonds, toasted (see Tip)

Directions:

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. Meanwhile, make Moroccan-Spiced Lemon Dressing. Transfer the quinoa to a medium bowl and toss with 1/3 cup of the dressing. Let cool for 10 minutes.

4. 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.

 

Tips:

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.

MAKE AHEAD TIP: Prepare through Step 3. Cover and refrigerate the quinoa and dressing separately for up to 2 days.