Ever wondered what to pair with our Bester Family Wines Chenin Blanc in summertime? Here is a salad that comes highly recommended by the eldest Bester sibling, Anna-Bet Stemmet. It's a summery staple in their home, and features on the menu at least once every two weeks.
The Best Summertime Salad EVER
This is a Sarah Graham recipe that has been enjoyed in the Stemmet house many, many times. Double up the recipes to serve it as a side at a braai, or portion it for healthy lunches throughout the week. You can also add a chicken breast per person and turn it into a heartier weekday dinner.
INGREDIENTS
1/4 cup quinoa
1/4 cup brown rice
2-3 tbsp olive oil
250g mixed wild mushrooms, roughly chopped or torn
1 clove garlic, minced
2 tsp balsamic vinegar
100 baby spinach leaves, rinsed
1 ripe avocado, cut into cubes
salt & freshly ground black pepper
1 tbsp each of chopped fresh mint, basil, and parsley
Quick dressing (adjust to taste)
3 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp hot water
zest & juice of one lemon
1 tbsp red wine/balsamic vinegar
1 tsp runny honey
1 tsp Dijon mustard
small pinch of salt to taste
To serve
Small handful of roughly chopped fresh basil and parsley
METHOD
1. Rinse the quinoa and brown rice and add to a medium-sized saucepan along with 1 cup cold water, and a generous pinch of salt. Bring the water to a bubble, turn down to a simmer and leave to cook until the quinoa and rice are fluffy, adding a little water along the way if necessary. Once cooked, drain, and set aside.
2. Meanwhile, prepare the dressing.
3. Just before serving, to a large heavy-based pan over medium-high heat, add 1-2 tbsp of olive oil, fry the mushrooms for 2-3 minutes over high heat, then add the garlic and cook for another minute. Add in the balsamic vinegar and spinach, stir well, and remove the pan from the heat. The spinach will continue cooking with the residual heat.
4. Add the avocado and chopped fresh herbs (if using), and serve immediately with the dressing on the side.
The salad also cools down nicely, and works a treat for packed lunches and picnics! Check back soon for some more recipes that come highly recommended by the Bester family.
