Craisin Quinoa Salad

I love quinoa and everything about this salad!  It is a perfect mix of fall flavors with craisins, pecans, feta, and a bright orange citrus dressing.  You could even add some chunks of turkey to it for an amazing main dish as well.

Craisin Quinoa Salad
Adapted from {Our Best Bites}

2 cups chicken stock
1 cup quinoa, uncooked
1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
1/2 cup pecans, chopped & toasted
1/2 cup green onion, chopped
1/2 cup reduced sugar craisins

Dressing
zest of one orange
1/4 cup orange juice
2 Tbl olive oil
1 tsp garlic, minced
2 tsp coarse grained mustard
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp pepper

Directions
Cook quinoa in chicken stock according to package directions
Cool quinoa completely
In a medium bowl fold together quinoa, cheese, pecans, onion, and craisins
In a small bowl whisk together all dressing ingredients
Pour dressing over quinoa mixture and toss to coat evenly

Parmesan Ranch Chex Mix

Football season is in full swing and I have an amazing snack recipe whether you have a bunch of people over or you are cheering on your favorite team by yourself.  This recipe is quick, makes a lot, and better yet it's easy on the wallet if you're like me and you don't mind using store brands.

Parmesan Ranch Chex Mix

8 cups rice chex cereal

2 cups mini pretzel twists

2 cups cheez-its

2 cups sesame sticks

1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted

1/3 cup canola oil

1 (1 oz) pkt ranch seasoning mix

1/3 cup grated parmesan cheese

Directions

In a large microwave safe bowl mix together cereal, pretzels, cheez-its, and sesame sticks

In a small bowl whisk together butter, oil, ranch mix, and cheese

Pour butter mixture over cereal mixture and stir to coat evenly

Microwave on high for 6 minutes stirring every 2 minutes

Pour snack mix out evenly on two cookie sheets to cool