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 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. Both Bonterra and SIMPLi are committed to organic farming practices that honor the earth’s natural balance.
We’ve partnered with SIMPLi, an ingredient food company with the goal of revolutionizing the food system, empowering smallholder farmers worldwide, while helping the planet through regenerative organic farming practices—a mission that is near and dear to our heart—to bring you a series of pairings that will serve both your taste buds and the planet.
Servings: 2-4
Ingredients
- 2 cups SIMPLi Regenerative Organic Certified® Red Quinoa, cooked
- 2 medium-sized beets, roasted, peeled, and cubed
- 2 cups mixed salad greens (any of your choice – 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
- Prepare the Quinoa: Cook the quinoa according to the package instructions. Once cooked, let it cool to room temperature.
- 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.
- Assemble the Salad: Layer your greens, cooled quinoa, beets, onions, apples, and goat cheese.
- Dress the Salad: Drizzle the Olive Oil and balsamic vinegar over the salad, ensuring it’s evenly coated.
- Garnish: Sprinkle fresh parsley, toasted walnuts, and SIMPLi Salt on top of the salad for added freshness and crunch.
- 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 organically farmed wines, you become part of a movement that values the connection between food, people, and nurturing the land for generations to come.
