As someone who studied nutrition in college, I love finding new nutrient-packed foods that are both versatile and satisfying. Quinoa is one of those foods. I had heard about it in my classes but didn't know too much about it. And now that it's becoming more popular among health-nuts and the special diet population, it is more readily available everywhere. What is it, you may ask? It's a naturally gluten-free super grain, high in protein, a great source of fiber, calcium, and all sorts of other good stuff. This salad I adapted from my friend's recipe at Coconuts and Cardamom is the perfect way to prepare this simple but amazing grain!
Quinoa Salad
- 1.5 cups quinoa
- 3 cups water
- garlic salt
- 1 cup edamame beans
- 1 can black beans, rinsed & drained (chick peas are also great!)
- 1 cup frozen corn
- 2 avacados, diced
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1/2 English/Japanese cucumber, diced
- 2 Roma tomatoes, seeded and diced
- Olive oil
- salt and pepper
- Prepare Quinoa as instructed on the packaging. Different varieties have subtle differences. A basic rule is the 1:2 ratio, 1 cup of quinoa to 2 cups of water. I add a dash of garlic salt for added flavor.
- While the Quinoa is simmering, prepare the other ingredients. Dice the avocados and toss in some lemon juice. Dice the tomatoes and cucumbers. Drain and rinse the beans. De-pod the edamame if needed. Use frozen corn, because the steaming hot Quinoa will bring it quickly up to room temp and it doesn’t turn mushy.
- Throw edamame, beans, corn and slivered almonds in a large bowl and empty the pot of Quinoa on top. You'll know when quinoa is ready when it is tender and the germs have spiraled out.
- Drizzle a couple tablespoons of olive oil. Add salt and pepper to taste.
- Mix everything together well. Add the avocados last.
*I would leave out the tomatoes to, if planning to make it last.
**Good both warm the day of and cold from
the fridge!
Be sure to pay my friends Tawny and Andrea a visit at Coconuts and Cardamom! They have an amazing repertoire of gluten-free, and other special diet recipes. xoxo
I need to get myself some quinoa! Love the recipe, and gorgeous photos!!
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