Food Service Director at Sullivan West Central School District  

October is National Farm to School Month, a time when schools, education sites, farms, communities, and organizations across the country come together to celebrate food education, school gardens, and lunch trays filled with healthy, local ingredients.

In honor of these efforts—and in connection with The Big Apple Crunch, a statewide event that celebrates the bounty of New York’s apple farmers—we’re excited to share a recipe that will be featured in Sullivan West Schools: Quinoa Apple Salad.

Apples are packed with antioxidants, which help protect the body’s cells from damage. Regularly eating apples may lower the risk of certain health conditions, including heart disease. They’re also an excellent source of dietary fiber and polyphenols, which act as prebiotics to support “good” gut bacteria which promotes healthy digestion.

You Will Need:

Gear: Measuring cups, medium mixing bowl, strainer, whisk and knife 

Ingredients: 1 cup uncooked quinoa, 2 ¼ cups water, 2 medium apples (crispy type like Gala, Empire or Honeycrisp), 1 ½ tbsp olive oil, 1 ½ tbsp fresh squeezed lemon juice, ¼ cup + 2 tbsp of orange juice, small handful of chopped fresh parsley (about 3 tbsp), 1 large chopped scallion, a big pinch of kosher salt (about 1/3 tsp) and a pinch of black pepper. 

Instructions:

1. Rinse quinoa in a fine mesh strainer until water runs clear. 

2. Combine quinoa and water in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until water is absorbed (10-15 minutes). Remove from heat, fluff, let cool.

3. In a medium bowl, whisk together oil, lemon juice, orange juice, salt, pepper, scallion, and parsley. 

4. Dice the apples (leave skin on). Add to the dressing and toss to coat. 

5. Add cooled quinoa to the apple mixture. Stir to combine everything. 

6. Chill before serving. 

Yields: 5-6 servings. 

Nutrition source: National Library of Medicine & Department of Food Science, Cornel University

Sullivan 180 is a non-profit organization dedicated to building a healthy community one degree at a time through people, places and policy, with an intentional focus on prevention and empowering a healthier generation. Sullivan 180 has partnered with the Sullivan County Democrat and Claire Burns to bring you delicious and nutritious recipes on the first Friday of every month. For more information on the work of Sullivan 180, visit Sullivan180.org.