Summer heroes
These two quinoa salads are on a weekly rotation at our house. Loaded with fruit and veggies, fresh herbs and light dressings they make the perfect side or main course. Perfect pairing with BBQ chicken, grilled fish, or steak. Quinoa is a complete protein and a great source of fiber so can also eat these hearty salads as a main course! Double the recipe and have leftovers for lunch the next day or eat the quinoa fruit salad for a quick breakfast.
Cool Quinoa Salad - recipe from Whole Foods
Ingredients:
1 c quinoa -brown, red, or tricolor
2 c water
1 cucumber cut into small pieces
1/2 red onion chopped
1/2 c cherry tomatoes cut into quarters
1 bunch of mint chopped
1/4 c pine nuts
dressing :
1 garlic clove smashed and chopped
1/4 c tahini
zest of one lemon
1/4 c fresh lemon juice
2 Tbs olive oil
salt and pepper to taste
Using a strainer rinse quinoa under cold water. Add quinoa, water and salt to medium saucepan and bring to a boil over med heat. Boil for 5 min. Turn heat to low and simmer for about 15 minutes or until water is absorbed. Remove from heat fluff with a fork. Let quinoa cool to room temperature. While cooking quinoa cut vegetables and whisk all ingredients of dressing together. Once quinoa is cooked remove from pan and dress. Once quinoa is cool mix in vegetables, pine nuts and mint.
Quinoa Fruit Salad
Ingredients:
1 c quinoa
2 c water
pinch of salt
dressing:
juice of 1 large lime
3 tbs honey
2 tbs finely chopped fresh mint (optional - my kids don’t love this)
fruit:
1 1/2 c blueberries
1 1/2 c sliced strawberries
1 1/2 c chopped mango
Using a strainer rinse quinoa under cold water. Add quinoa, water and salt to medium saucepan and bring to a boil over med heat. Boil for 5 min. Turn heat to low and simmer for about 15 minutes or until water is absorbed. Remove from heat fluff with a fork. Let quinoa cool to room temperature. In a medium bowl, whisk the lime juice, honey and mint together until combined. In a large bowl combine quinoa, blueberries, strawberries and mango. Pour honey lime dressing over the fruit salad and mix until well combined. Serve at room temperature or chilled.
Use your favorite fruit in this salad- blackberries, peaches, kiwi, raspberries, grapes are all delicious!
Recipe credit: Two Peas and Their Pod