Healthy Quinoa Spring Salad

                                                                    

Quinoa (pronounced keen' wa) is a super food. It's use dates back to 3000 B.C. and originated in the Andes Mountains of South America.  It's actually a seed, but often considered a grain. It is a complete protein, is very high in fiber, antioxidants, minerals and healthy fats, and it's considered gluten free. It is a meal in itself. Quinoa comes in red or white.  It is advisable to rinse it in a colander until the water runs clear to get rid of any bitterness.  It is prepared like rice.  Use one part quinoa to two parts liquid, bring to a boil, reduce heat and cover.  Simmer for about 15 minutes.  It can be mixed with honey, raisins, and nuts and eaten as a breakfast cereal, served as a side dish with a little garlic and olive oil, instead of rice or potatoes, or as I have prepared it here as a salad.  I got the idea from taboule another favorite dish of mine.

You can add or leave out ingredients to your liking.  Maybe add black olives, leave out the shallots, add green or red peppers, or anything else you like.  What about black beans, lime juice instead of lemon, maybe some fresh grilled corn, and a few shakes of cumin instead of the mint for a southwestern flair. 

This was very easy to prepare, and I made this for lunch today.  Here is the recipe. 

1 cup quinoa rinsed
2 cups water, vegetable or chicken broth
2 Roma tomatoes diced
1 cucumber peeled and diced
1 shallot finely diced or 1/4 cup red onion diced
1 tablespoon dried parsley
1 teaspoon dried mint (I grow mint in the summer and dry it for tea; I just used some of this)
2 - 3 tablespoons olive oil
juice of 1/4 lemon
3/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper

Cook quinoa according to package directions.  Usually it's one part quinoa to two parts liquid.  Bring to a boil, lower heat to simmer and cover.  Cook for 15 minutes.  While the quinoa is cooking dice tomatoes, cucumber, and shallot.  When the quinoa is done, transfer to a bowl, add vegetables, seasonings, oil and lemon juice.  Mix well.  You can serve it slightly warm or chill.  This is a super healthy and very filling lunch or serve as a side salad with dinner.  Enjoy!

Feel free to leave comments in the comment section below this post.  I would love to know what other ingredients you choose to add!

Happy Cooking!

Carol
a.k.a.
Nonnie