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!
