SIMPLi Red Quinoa, Beet, and Goat Cheese Salad Paired with Bonterra Pinot Noir

Welcome to a culinary journey that celebrates simple meals featuring sustainably grown ingredients. We’ve partnered with Bonterra, a top organic winery that offers Regenerative Organic Certified® wines as part of their Bonterra Estate Collection, to bring you a series of pairings that will serve both your taste buds and the planet.

Pairing Perfection

In honor of Pinot Noir Day, our next pairing pays tribute to this versatile and cherished wine varietal, known for its complexity and timeless appeal. We paired an earthy and rich beet and goat cheese salad, featuring SIMPLi’s Regenerative Organic Certified® Red Quinoa, with Bonterra’s bright and elegant organic Pinot Noir. The harmony of this pairing underscores the commitment of both SIMPLi and Bonterra to farming organically and the joy of mindful dining.

An Alluring Symphony of Flavors 

This simple yet nuanced salad combines SIMPLi’s red quinoa—a nutrient-packed, naturally gluten-free grain that nurtures the soil and supports farming communities—with vibrant roasted beets, which infuse the dish with natural sweetness and an earthy undertone that perfectly complement the nutty richness of the quinoa. We topped it off with crumbled goat cheese, for a delightful creaminess and tang. For the finishing touches: a sprinkle of SIMPLi Peruvian Herb Salt and a drizzle of SIMPLi’s Greek Extra Virgin Olive Oil and high-quality aged balsamic vinegar.

Bonterra's Organic Pinot Noir

This wine's grapes were carefully sourced and handpicked from Mendocino California vineyards where the diversity of microclimates and soil types results in a complex, bright, fruit-forward wine. Its delicate berry notes and hints of oak embrace the beet and quinoa's earthy essence, making it a perfect companion to this vibrant dish. With each sip, the wine's silky texture and gentle tannins accentuate the salad's flavors. Just like SIMPLi, Bonterra is committed to organic farming practices that honor the earth's natural balance.

Ingredients

• 2 cups SIMPLi Regenerative Organic Certified® Red Quinoa, cooked

• Bonterra organic Pinot Noir

• 2 medium-sized beets, roasted, peeled, and cubed

• 2 cups mixed salad greens (we love whatever is fresh at our farmer’s market)

• 1/2 small red onion, sliced

• 1 small green apple, thinly sliced

• 1/2 cup crumbled goat cheese

• 1/3 cup chopped toasted walnuts

• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

• 2 tablespoons aged balsamic vinegar

• 2 tbsp SIMPLi Extra Virgin Olive Oil

• 1 tbsp SIMPLi Peruvian Pink Salt

• Freshly ground black pepper

Instructions

1. Prepare the Quinoa: Cook the quinoa according to the package instructions. Once cooked, let it cool to room temperature.

2. Roast the Beets and Walnuts: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Wash and trim the beets, then wrap them individually in aluminum foil. Place the wrapped beets on a baking sheet and roast them in the oven for about 40-50 minutes, or until they are tender when pierced with a fork. Let them cool, then peel and dice into bite-sized pieces. Add walnuts to a baking sheet and toast for 10-15 minutes or until lightly browned.

3. Assemble the Salad: Layer your greens, cooled quinoa, beets, onions, apples, and goat cheese.

4. Dress the Salad: Drizzle the Olive Oil and balsamic vinegar over the salad, ensuring it's evenly coated.

5. Garnish: Sprinkle fresh parsley, toasted walnuts, and SIMPLi Salt on top of the salad for added freshness and crunch.

6. Serve and Enjoy: Transfer the salad to individual plates or bowls and pour your wine. Serve immediately and enjoy the pairing!

This pairing is an ode to mindful living and conscious choices. By embracing regenerative organic certified® ingredients and organic wines, you become part of a movement that values the connection between food, people, and nurturing the land for generations to come.