Quinoa and Winter Fruit Salad

Ingredients

• 1 1/3 cups quinoa (about 1/2 pound), rinsed
• 1 1/2 cups water
• 2 kumquats--halved, seeded and coarsely chopped
• 2 tablespoons coarsely chopped cilantro
• 1/4 cup pure olive oil
• 2 1/2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 large Bosc pear--peeled, cored and cut into 1/2 -inch dice
• 1 medium cucumber--peeled, seeded and cut into 1/2 -inch dice
• 1 cup coarsely chopped stemmed watercress

Preparation

1. 1. In a medium saucepan, combine the quinoa and water and bring to a boil. Simmer over low heat, stirring often, until just tender, about 12 minutes; the grains should be separate and intact. Drain the quinoa and let cool completely.
2. 2. In a small bowl, combine the kumquats and cilantro with the olive oil, lemon juice and salt and let steep for 5 minutes.
3. 3. In a large bowl, toss together the quinoa, pear and cucumber. Add the dressing and toss well. Add the watercress and toss again. Serve at once.