Pear, Raspberry, and Rosemary Quinoa Salad for Fair Trade Month

 

Every day when I pick my daughter up from preschool I ask her what she ate at snack time. Last week one of her favorite preschool snacks was a salad with pears and strawberries. At her back-to-school night the school chef and art teacher also mentioned that the kids all loved the salad. So at home this week I decided to also add pear and berries to one of our salads. With nutty quinoa, the combination creates the perfect fall salad.

I happened to have a box of Near East Rosemary and Olive Oil Quinoa along with other goodies from Fair Trade USA that added just the right amount of earthiness to this sweet fruity salad. Fair Trade USA had reached out to me about trying some fair trade certified products, and I agreed, as I was interested in learning more about what exactly fair trade means. I have heard about the horrific ways  some farmers are treated around the world, particularly with cocoa, coffee, and bananas, and would rather support companies that treat their farmers fairly.

What is Fair Trade? 
Fair Trade USA says, "Fair Trade goods are just that. Fair. From far-away farms to your shopping cart, products that bear our logo come from farmers and workers who are justly compensated. We help farmers in developing countries build sustainable businesses that positively influence their communities. We're a nonprofit, but we don't do charity. Instead, we teach disadvantaged communities how to use the free market to their advantage. With Fair Trade USA, the money you spend on day-to-day goods can improve an entire community’s day-to-day lives."

What do you think? Would you buy one product over another because of a "certified fair trade" label? In my mind, getting a high quality product and knowing you're helping the people who made that product is a win-win.

Pear, Raspberry, and Rosemary Quinoa Salad
printer friendly recipe 

Serves 4-6

5 ounces favorite salad greens, rinsed and dried (arugula, baby spinach, baby salad mix, etc.)

1 cup cooked Rosemary and Olive Oil Quinoa (such as Near East brand) or quinoa cooked with 1 tbsp chopped rosemary and 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil 

1 large pear, diced 

1 cup raspberries  
1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil 
2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar 

Place greens in a large bowl. Add quinoa, pear, and raspberries. Whisk together oil and vinegar and drizzle over salad. Toss gently to combine. Season with freshly cracked pepper if desired. 

--

Read about the delicious Fair Trade products I was lucky enough to sample and the good they are doing after the jump. My husband devoured the Kopali Chocolate Covered Banana before I could even get to them! Visit Fair Trade USA for more information.

CONTINUE READING THIS POST »