Vegetable Quinoa Salad

Posted by Natural blogger on February 1, 2015 in Food Recipes, Home, Salads | 2 Comments

My salad to go is always some kind of quinoa salad. It is light and healthy, and great for lunch, dinner or picnic. I like to cook quinoa in advance, since it can be stored in fridge for 2-3 days, or you can even freeze quinoa and defrost in just a minute in microwave.

Quinoa can be found in bulk bins or packed on the shelves. I always buy organic quinoa in bulk at Whole Foods Market.

The most important benefit of quinoa is that it is high source of protein, iron, magnesium, fiber. It has very mild nutty flavor and sort of crunchy texture.

If you’ve never tried quinoa, this is your time to do it.

Ingredients:

1 cup quinoa

1 1/4 cup water or vegetable stock

1/2 teaspoon Himalaya pink salt

5-6 olives – minced

5-6 grape tomatoes

1/2 red bell pepper – diced

1/2 red onion – minced

1 tbsp sunflower seeds

1 tbsp cranberries – diced

*optional: 2 tbsp raw cheese – diced, or feta cheese

Directions:

Very important step is to rinse quinoa in fine mash strainer. Quinoa has bitter taste from the outer layer and it is easy to remove it with rinsing quinoa. While rinsing use your hands to massage it. If it’s not rinsed it may taste too biter.

In a medium saucepan bring water, quinoa and salt to a boil. Reduce the heat to simmer and simmer for about 12-15 min until all water has been absorbed. Remove from heat and rest covered for 5 minutes. Fluff it with a fork. You can cook quinoa in a rice cooker, as well.

While the quinoa is cooking, cut red bell peppers, onions, tomatoes and olives. When you’re ready assemble quinoa and all that you cut. Add cranberries and sunflower seeds at the top. They give you a nice crunchy and chewy flavor to your salad.

I like to eat this salad with no dressing, but you can add a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and tablespoon of lemon juice. I eat this as a cold salad but it can easily be warmed up, if you like warm meal.

Enjoy your lunch, be well and have a beautiful day!