Cran-Peary Quinoa Salad

I was looking for a nice side dish to some pork but couldn't really find that perfect recipe, and that is where the creative mind kicks in LOL.






1 cup quinoa
1 cup water
1 cup pear juice(apple juice is fine if you don't have pear)


1 medium pear, chopped and tossed with lemon water(1 tsp lemon juice to 1/2 cup water)
1 rib celery, chopped
1/3-1/2 cup dried cranberries(more or less to your tastes)
1/4 cup Litehouse Pear Gorgonzola dressing*
sprinkle of Gorgonzola cheese(optional)



Rinse and drain your quinoa well, then in a pot with a tight fitting lid bring  the quinoa, water and pear/apple juice to a boil. Reduce heat to medium low and simmer, covered, until the quinoa is tender(translucent and the germ is visible) about 15 minutes or so. Remove from heat.







In a colander(with very fine holes!)Rinse in cold water and drain well.










When the quinoa is chilled, add the pear, celery and cranberries, then gently toss in the dressing(more or less to your preference, (you don't want it dripping in dressing!)

Sprinkle with Gorgonzola cheese as desired! Serve well chilled.





*if you cant find the Pear Gorgonzola,  Poppy Seed dressing is just as tasty(with a sprinkling of feta in place of the Gorgonzola, yum!)
here is a good homemade one or you can do store bought(litehouse is delicious!)
Poppy Seed Dressing:
1/4 c cider vinegar
1/2 c non fat Greek yogurt
2 TB canola oil
1/2 c sugar
1 TB minced onion
1 tsp dry mustard
1/2 tsp salt
1 TB lemon juice
1 tsp lemon zest
1 TB poppy seeds

Combine all and mix well, allow to mingle at least an hour.