Quinoa Salad with Gouda, Apples and Fennel

This hearty salad is bursting with fall flavor.  Apple, fennel, Gouda and sage come together for a salad that's like a flavor explosion in your mouth.   Apple and fennel add a crisp crunch to balance out the creamy Gouda.  Perfect as a side dish, packed for lunch or served over greens for a meatless main dish.

 Recipe developed for Beemster

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Makes 6 servings

3 tablespoons orange juice

3 tablespoons cider vinegar

3 tablespoons honey

1 tablespoon mustard

1 clove garlic, pressed

4 cups cooked quinoa

2 cups cubed Beemster Aged Gouda

1 ½  cups chopped apple

1 ½ cups thinly sliced fennel or celery

1 cup chopped walnuts, toasted

2 tablespoons chopped fresh sage

Combine orange juice, vinegar, honey, mustard and garlic; set aside.

Combine quinoa, Beemster, apple, fennel, walnuts and sage.  Toss with dressing and serve.