Yessir that’s right – QUINOA!

It’s the food of the year – the protein – the grain – the everything nom!

But seriously though, it is pretty easy to incorporate into your meal

(or even base a meal around!)

It doesn’t satisfy as much a bean or meat product might, but it is surprisingly filling.

I have a recipe that can be tinkered with

(as in you can add your own spins on things)

RECIPE: QUINOA SALAD (hot or cold)

1 cup quinoa (red, white, or both – doesn’t matter)

2 cups broth (or water with bullion or just plain water if you have to)

1 cup corn (frozen – 1 ear if not – cut off)

1/2-1 diced red onion (just depends on how much you like)

2 handfuls baby spinach

1/4 cup toasted pine nuts (however many you want really – or another nut would do, just not as good)

2 tbsp red wine vinegar

1 tbsp olive oil

2 tbsp lemon juice

sprinkle of garlic powder

lots of pepper (*ground if you have it)

salt to taste

These ingredients are good enough – but if you have the rest they only add to the flavor (the cheese is recommended)

1/4 cup feta cheese or gorgonzola cheese

*if you like a little sweet add dried cranberries or raisins – but i prefer it without!

TO BEGIN:

1) Boil broth or water (for both quinoa and corn if using frozen corn)

2) Rinse quinoa in sieve and put into boiling broth

3) Turn to low and simmer until all water is absorbed (about 15-20mins)

4) While quinoa simmers – chop onion, toast pine nuts

*watch those pine nuts they burn so quickly – as soon as you smell popcorn, pull them out! =)

5) Whisk together red wine vinegar, oil, lemon juice, garlic powder and pepper

*you can add a tbsp of diced onion to this mixture if you like

6) place spinach, onion, pine nuts, and corn into desired serving bowl

7) once quinoa has absorbed all liquids – transfer to serving bowl on top of other ingredients

8) pour on vinaigrette dressing

9) add feta

10) mix all ingredients until spinach wilts *add more ground pepper if necessary

And there we have it!

If you need more dressing – just make another batch of the above recipe

Variations would include substituting Parmesan cheese, tomatoes, chopped olives, scallions or other fresh vegetables.

Honestly, this is a very versatile dish and can have meat, beans, or any other veggie incorporated

The best part is – it’s easy and healthy!

let me know what you think or how you like your quinoa salad!