Cranberry, Apple and Pecan Oat Salad

Serving size:4
Cranberry, Apple and Pecan Oat Salad

Ingredients

  • 1 cup Quaker Steel Cut Oats
  • 11/2 cup water
  • 1/2 cup whole dried cranberries, halved
  • 1 large apple, diced
  • 1/2 cup pecans, chopped
  • 1/2 cup grated parmesan or sharp cheddar cheese
  • 3 tbsp olive oil
  • 3 tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tbsp pure maple syrup
  • salt to taste
  • pepper to taste
  • 2 tbsp shallots, diced (optional)
  • 1/3 cup figs (fresh or dried), diced (optional)

Directions

  1. In a small saucepan bring steel cut oats and water to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 10 minutes. 
  2. Remove from heat and fluff the oats with a fork (note that oats are purposely undercooked to retain texture and bite). 
  3. Place oats in a strainer and run under cold water until the oats are chilled.  Drain well. 
  4. Whisk together olive oil, apple cider vinegar, maple syrup, and salt & pepper to create dressing. 
  5. Combine the cooled oats, cranberries, apples, pecans, and cheese in a large mixing bowl. 
  6. Add the dressing and toss well. 
  7. Serve cold or at room temperature.