Balsamic Quinoa with Roasted Tomatoes, Mushrooms & Caramelized Shallots

By Amanda Paa – Updated April 29, 2021

For the past two weeks I had been anxiously awaiting Girl’s Weekend, hosted at a friend’s lovely cabin tucked away in the north central part of Wisconsin. What could be better than getting together seven other women who are as in love with food as I am? Getting away from the hustle and bustle of the city, social media distractions, and the stress of daily life was exactly what I needed. Kate took us to the beautiful, Baker Apple Orchard where we were treated to rows and rows of plump apple trees. The Connell Reds below were the best apples I’ve had all season.

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We talked cookbooks, dining trends, kitchen gadgets, kids, blogging, significant others, and jobs, just to name a few. While listening to one of the conversations I realized how in the moment I was, how calm and relaxed my entire body and mind could be. I reflected on how blessed I am to have met such wonderful women who share my passion and each bring a unique strength to the group.

And when food bloggers get together you are obviously going to have an amazing spread!  Kelli made two stunning loaves of bread along with her ridiculously good Bacon Jam. Kate made a hearty vegetable soup and a decadent Nutmeg Cake. Lynne added two kinds of spiced nuts that I could not stop eating! Angharad made her very first loaf of Pumpkin Bread since coming to the United States, and also added a light cumin spiced Couscous and Raisin salad. Ginger cookies from Amy and some seriously good home brewed beer from Laurie went together beautifully – forget the milk. :) Waking up to Jen’s scones and hot coffee were the perfect ending before we all made the journey home.

Balsamic Quinoa with Roasted Tomatoes, Mushrooms & Shallots

My contribution was an Apple Fennel Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette and this Balsamic Quinoa dish. When I saw a vendor at the Minneapolis Farmer’s Market selling an overflowing tray of red and yellow cherry tomatoes for a measly $2, I walked off with my loot and a smile. With the cooler weather the last few days I couldn’t wait to turn on my oven to roast them. The roasted tomatoes alongside the caramelized shallots and crimini mushrooms really make this dish come alive with an abundance of flavor.

I added in the last of my fresh rosemary and parsley from the garden and made a light balsamic vinaigrette to bring it all together. And as you can see, the variety of vegetable and herbs make for a colorful and healthy combination!

Balsamic Quinoa with Roasted Tomatoes, Mushrooms & Caramelized Shallots

-1 1/2 c dry quinoa, rinsed
-3 c water
-1 c cherry tomatoes
-1 1/2 c sliced cremini mushrooms
-1/2 c small shallots, halved
-1/4 c butter
-1/4 c olive oil
-3 T balsamic vinegar
-2 t sea salt
-1 t black pepper
-1 T stone ground mustard
-1/3 c chopped parsley
-3 T chopped rosemary
-2 cloves garlic, minced
-extra

For tomatoes, cut in half and drizzle with olive oil, salt and pepper and one clove minced garlic. Spread onto cooking sheet and roast at 400 degrees for 20 -25 minutes. In a skillet, melt butter, and add shallots/mushrooms when hot. Sprinkle a bit of salt on them to draw out juices. Cook slowly on medium heat for 10 minutes, tossing occasionally until they are brown. While this is happening you can make the quinoa. Bring quinoa and water to a boil, then turn down heat to a simmer cover. Cook for 12-15 minutes or until you see the little spiral ring has separated. Drain if needed and let sit for five minutes, then fluff with fork. Combine the quinoa, vegetables, and fresh herbs in large bowl. To make the dressing, combine the vinegar, salt, pepper, one clove garlic, and mustard. Whisk in olive oil to emulsify. Stir into quinoa mixture and top with a few fresh herbs for garnish.

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October 16, 2011

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7 comments

  1. Jen {The Wholehearted Life}

    Recipe looks awesome and so sad I had to miss out….glad you guys had so much fun!

    • amandapaa

      thanks jen! We have to plan another one so you can join in!

  2. Lynne

    It was so nice to hang out and relax with you last weekend! I’m thinking of putting my lunch apple out in the sun for an hour before eating it to recreate the “fresh off the tree” orchard experience. Thanks for making this delicious quinoa salad — I only wish I’d had room to devour even more of it!!

  3. Mellissa

    Sounds like such a great weekend! So glad you girls had fun.

  4. Kelli

    This salad was SO GOOD!! Thanks for the recipe.

  5. Angharad

    So lovely getting to know you better in person Amanda! I can confirm for your other readers that this salad was excellent! So glad we all got to feast and escape together. Great time!

    • amandapaa

      I’m glad we finally got to meet too Angharad. It’s so neat to make connections through Twitter and blogs, then connect with them in person. We need to do this again, especially in the winter when we are snowbound!