You’ve probably heard about the numerous health benefits of the “Gold of the Incas”. Quinoa (pronounced as keen-wa) is packed with protein, amino acids and essential nutrients. With every 1/2 cup serving of dry quinoa, you get about 11 grams of high quality protein. Lots of protein but fewer calories! No wonder it has been a staple for every weight watcher.
What I love about quinoa is its light, fluffy texture and delicious, nutty taste. It’s so versatile that you can have it any time of the day. The best part is you can mix it with almost anything and everything.
Having a meatless day will help cleanse your system and what a better way to enjoy quinoa than making a salad out of it!
Quinoa Salad Recipes:
Warm Quinoa Salad
1 cup quinoa, rinsed
2 cups water or stock
1 medium onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, chopped
1/2 cup chopped fresh basil
1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
1 tomato, seeds and excess pulp removed and chopped
1 can adzuki beans, rinsed well
4 tbsp. lemon juice
3 tbsp. olive oil
3 cups shredded romaine lettuce
1 avocado cubed
1 tbsp. chopped pumpkin seeds
Salt and pepper to taste
1.) Combine rinsed quinoa, water, onion, garlic, and a pinch of salt in a medium saucepan over high heat. Bring to a boil, cover, adjust the heat to low, and simmer gently for about 15 minutes. Fluff with fork and transfer to a bowl. Add chopped herbs, tomato, rinsed adzuki beans, 2 tbsp. lemon juice, 1 tbsp. olive oil, salt and pepper.
2.) Toss romaine and avocado with the remaining lemon juice and 2 tbsp. olive oil. Season with salt and fresh ground black pepper. Serve quinoa on bed of salad greens. Sprinkle with chopped pumpkin seeds.
Lemon Quinoa Salad
1 medium onion, diced
3 garlic cloves, minced
11/2 cups quinoa, rinsed and drained
3 cups water or chicken stock
1 1/2 tsp. Italian seasoning
1/2 tsp. ground cumin
1/4 tsp. paprika
Zest and juice from one lemon
1 Can garbanzo beans
1 cup fresh tomatoes, diced
1/2 bunch scallions, white and light green tops only, finely chopped
1/2 cup slivered almonds, toasted
1 1/2 tbsp. fresh cilantro, finely chopped
1 1/2 tbsp. fresh parsley, finely chopped
Salt and pepper to taste
1.) Saute onion and bell pepper in olive oil until cooked. Add garlic and heat until fragrant for about 30 seconds. Add quinoa to onion mixture and stir around and toast for about 2 minutes. Add water or chicken broth, a large pinch of salt and spices. Bring to a boil. Lower heat, cover and let simmer for 20 minutes. Quinoa is done when it doubles in size, becomes slightly translucent and spirals appear on each grain.
2.) Stir in lemon zest, lemon juice, garbanzo beans, tomatoes, scallions, almonds and fresh herbs. Season with salt and pepper.
Easy Quinoa Salad
4 cups quinoa
4 cups water
1/4 cup red wine vinegar
2 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon ground black pepper
1 teaspoon lemon juice
4 teaspoons Dijon mustard
1 cup canola oil
2 cucumbers, peeled and chopped
1 green bell pepper, chopped
1/2 red onion, chopped
2 tomatoes, chopped
1 (15 ounce) can black olives, chopped
1.) Cook the quinoa according to package directions. Scrape the cooked quinoa into a large bowl and refrigerate until cold, about 1 hour or so.
2.) Place the vinegar, salt, pepper, lemon juice, and mustard into a blender. Drizzle in the oil while blending at high speed until the dressing is thick. Add the cucumbers, bell pepper, red onion, tomato, and olives to the bowl with the quinoa. Pour the dressing over and gently fold until everything is mixed well.
Spicy Quinoa Salad
4 cups cooked quinoa
1 cup garbanzo beans
2 zucchini, quartered lengthwise, grilled then chopped
2 scallions, finely diced
A few cilantro leaves
3 tablespoons olive oil
Juice from 1/2 lemon
1 teaspoon each of the following (sea salt, turmeric, smoky paprika, cumin)
1. Lightly coat the zucchini stalks with olive oil and grill or broil until softened a bit. Let cool until you can handle them then chop into pieces.
2. Stir together cooked quinoa, garbanzo beans, zucchini, scallions, and cilantro.
3. Sprinkle the spices over the quinoa mixture and stir to combine. Drizzle the olive oil and lemon juice over the quinoa mixture and mix well.
