A main course, Moroccan-inspired red quinoa salad made with a zesty Harissa (hot chili paste) dressing.

Ingredients

For honey harissa dressing

• 1⁄4 cup flaxseed oil or extra-virgin olive oil
• 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 2 tbsp honey
• 1 tbsp honey mustard
• 1 tbsp freshly squeezed orange juice
• 1 tsp orange zest
• 2 tsp harissa paste
• 1⁄2 tsp sea salt
• 1⁄4 tsp ground cardamom
• 1⁄4 tsp cinnamon

For the salad

• 2 sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into 3⁄4" cubes
• 1 540-ml can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 1⁄2 cup beluga black lentils
• 1 cup red quinoa, rinsed
• 2 green onions, thinly sliced
• 1⁄2 cup toasted pumpkin seeds
• 1⁄2 cup chopped toasted pecan halves
• 1⁄4 cup chopped fresh mint leaves + more for garnish
• 1⁄4 cup dried cranberries
• 1⁄3 cup fresh pomegranate seeds 

Directions

1 Preheat the oven to 375°F. In a small bowl, whisk together all the ingredients for the honey harissa dressing.

2 Toss 1⁄4 cup of the dressing with the sweet potatoes and spread out onto a parchment paper-lined baking sheet. Toss another 2 tablespoons of the dressing with the chickpeas and spread out onto another parchment paper-lined baking sheet. Place both baking sheets in the oven and roast for 35 to 40 minutes, until the sweet potatoes are tender.

3 In a small pot, bring the beluga lentils and 4 cups cold water to a simmer. Cook for 20 to 25 minutes, until the lentils are tender. Drain, rinse and place in a large bowl, along with the roasted sweet potatoes and chickpeas.

4 Meanwhile, in another small pot, bring the red quinoa and 4 cups water to a boil; reduce the heat and simmer for 12 minutes. Drain the quinoa and let dry in the sieve for 2 minutes. Add to the sweet potato mixture.

5 Stir in the green onions, pumpkin seeds, pecans, mint and cranberries. Drizzle with the remaining dressing and toss gently to combine. Place the warm salad on a large serving platter and garnish with the fresh pomegranate seeds and mint leaves. Serve.

Serves 6.