Aztec Grain Salad

Aztec Grain Salad USDA Recipe for Child Care Centers

Age Group: Ages 6-18
Serving Size: 25-50
Aztec Grain Salad combines a South American, high-protein grain called quinoa with aromatic roasted butternut squash, crisp apples, and dried cranberries to make a delicious and colorful side dish.
CACFP CREDITING INFORMATION
1 cup provides (8 fl oz spoodle) ⅛ cup red/orange vegetable, ⅜ cup fruit, and 1 oz equivalent grains.
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Instructions
 

  • Rinse quinoa in a fine mesh strainer until water runs clear, not cloudy.
  • Combine quinoa and water in a covered stockpot and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer until water is completely absorbed, about 10-15 minutes. When done, quinoa will be soft and a white ring will pop out of the kernel. The white ring will appear only when it is fully cooked. Refrigerate at 40 °F.
  • Combine apples, squash, and canola oil. Add half of the ginger and half of the cinnamon. Reserve remaining ginger and cinnamon for step 6. Toss well to coat.
  • Transfer apple/squash mixture to a sheet pan (18” x 26” x 1”).
    For 25 servings, use 1 pan.
    For 50 servings, use 2 pans.
  • Roast until squash is soft and slightly brown on the edges. DO NOT OVERCOOK.
    Conventional oven: 400 °F for 15-20 minutes.
    Convection oven: 400 °F for 12-15 minutes.
  • Combine orange juice concentrate, olive oil, honey, mustard, vinegar, salt, black pepper, white pepper, cilantro, and remaining ginger and cinnamon. Whisk dressing until combined.
  • In steam table pan (12” x 20” x 4”) combine quinoa, apple/squash mixture, cranberries, raisins, and dressing. Mix well.
    For 25 servings, use 1 pan.
    For 50 servings, use 2 pans.
    Option: garnish with additional chopped cilantro.Cover and refrigerate at 40 °F to allow flavors to combine.
  • Critical Control Point: Cool to 40 °F or lower within 4 hours.
    Refrigerate until ready to serve.
  • Portion with 8 fl oz spoodle (1 cup).

Nutrition INFORMATION

Aztec Grain Salad USDA Recipe for Child Care Centers
Amount Per Serving
 
1 cup (8 fl oz spoodle)
Calories
297.8
Total Fat
 
7.83
g
12
%
Saturated Fat
 
0.91
g
6
%
Cholesterol
 
0
mg
0
%
Sodium
 
58.43
mg
3
%
Total Carbohydrate
 
53.56
g
18
%
Dietary Fiber
 
5.56
g
23
%
Protein
 
6.41
g
13
%
Vitamin A
 
3391.52
IU
68
%
Vitamin C
 
15.22
mg
18
%
Calcium
 
44.35
mg
4
%
Iron
 
2.36
mg
13
%
N/A=data not available
*Marketing Guide
25 Servings:
Granny Smith apples: 2 lb 6 oz
Butternut squash: 2 lb 8 oz
50 Servings:
Granny Smith apples: 4 lb 12 oz
Butternut squash: 5 lb

Notes

*See Marketing Guide for purchasing information on foods that will change during preparation or when a variation of the ingredient is available.
Yield / Volume
25 Servings:
About 9 lb 8 oz
About 1 gal 1 qt/1 steam table pan
50 Servings:
About 19 lb
About 2 gal 2 qt/2 steam table pans