Quinoa is a super grain. It has a high protein content and contains a balanced set of essential amino acids, making it an unusually complete protein source. It is a good source of dietary fiber and phosphorus and is high in magnesium and iron. It is gluten-free and considered easy to digest. I need to start eating as much of it as possible, especially because I eat a vegetarian diet! (But even if you're not a vegetarian, it's still good for you, and it tastes great, too!)
Quinoa Salad
1 cup quinoa
1 1/2 cups cold water
1/2 tsp salt
1 cup celery, chopped small
1-2 small carrots, sliced thin
1/2 green or red bell pepper, sliced thin
1 medium-sized ripe tomato
1 medium-sized cucumber
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley, cilantro, or basil
1/2 cup chopped cashews
optional: chopped scallions, greek olives, minced jalopeno, fresh mint
Dressing
2 Tbsp fresh squeezed lemon juice (about 1 lemon)
1/8-1/4 cup olive oil
1/2 tsp salt
black pepper
Optional: pinch of cayenne, garlic powder, fresh minced garlic
Directions
Place quinoa, water, and salt in a pot and boil. Turn heat very low, cover, and cook for 15 minutes. Remove from heat and let sit 5 minutes with lid. Fluff with fork and set aside to cool.
Steam celery, carrots, and bell pepper for 5 minutes. Rinse in cold water.
Chop tomato, herbs, and cucumber.
Blend dressing ingredients with wire whisk or shake in a jar.
Gently combine veggies, quinoa, dressing, and nuts in a large bowl. Cover and chill.
There are lots of things you can do with quinoa. You can eat it in a bowl topped with fruit, cinnamon and milk, or you can put a scoop on top of your green salad. Try it if you haven't already!
2 comments:
Quinoa was something we sometimes had for breakfast in Peru. I didn't realize it was available here too!
Well, I forgot to mention that it might not be too easy to find, depending on where you live. You will for sure be able to find it at the health food store, but not always in the regular grocery store!
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