A nutty day.


Quinoa (pronounced 'keen-wah') is considered a superfood. While I can't speak much on the reasons why this is the case, I can tell you that quinoa is actually an ancient seed and that it's quite delicious too.   It's packed with protein and a perfect substitute for folks with wheat and gluten allergies. I know it's on the list of many healthy food eaters but even the more indulgent eaters of the world would love this dish.
Combining simple ingredients - toasted quinoacrunchy raw almonds, fresh vegetables like red capsicum, cherry tomatoes and cucumbers, along with sweet sultanas and fragrant fresh mint leaves - make this quinoa dish the perfect lunch. I won't leave out the dressing: made with a touch of garlic, extra virgin olive oil, lemon, balsamic and a touch of honey and chilli - it's the best accompaniment to bring out all the flavours of the food.
Make this tonight and leave in the fridge for tomorrow's lunch - a great way to get something simple, fresh and delicious onto your plate. Enjoy!

nutty quinoa salad
makes 3-4 servings

salad
3/4 cup quinoa 
1/4 cup raw almonds, chopped roughly
1 small cucumber, quartered and chopped
1 small red capsicum, chopped
1/2 pint cherry tomatoes, chopped 
1/4 cup organic sultanas/raisins
1/2 bunch fresh mint leaves, torn


dressing
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
1 small garlic clove, crushed
1.5 tsp dijon mustard
1/4 lemon, juiced
1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
1/2 tsp crushed dried chillies 
good pinch sea salt and fresh pepper

To make quinoa: place medium size pot on medium heat - add washed quinoa grains and stir consistently until grains become toasted (about 5-7 minutes, depending on heat). Once toasted, add almonds and enough water to cover quinoa. As quinoa cooks, keep adding a little bit of water at a time (about 1/3 cup) until fully cooked. Let cool.
While cooking quinoa, in a separate bowl mix vegetables, sultanas and mint. Make dressing by combining all ingredients (garlic is meant to impart flavour to the dressing, discard after letting it sit for a few minutes). Once quinoa is cooled, mix all elements together and adjust seasoning. Eat right away or place into fridge for a great lunch the next day!





21 comments:

  1. That looks gorgeous! And such a simple but healthy dish too which pays dividends with flavour and goodness :D

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  2. Quinoa is one thing I still haven't tried even after all the 'hype' about it. Interesting recipe. Might finally grab a bag next time I go shopping :)

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  3. With their help, you will learn to adjust your food intake according to your body's need for carbohydrates.
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  4. This is both a healthy but very delicious quinoa dish :D

    Cheers
    Choc Chip Uru

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  5. I did not know how to pronounce Quinoa until now :-) thanks for that:-)

    looks so delightful. The photographs are stunning

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  6. Great recipe! I've been on a quinoa kick at the moment and this looks like a perfect recipe for weekly work lunches, thanks!

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  7. I love quinoa. Thank you for sharing this recipe!

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  8. This recipe is very healthy. Quinoa is becoming more popular and readily available in stores everywhere.

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  9. I love seeing Quinoa making a presence in more recipes. This is my go to superfood and your recipe sounds fantastic.

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  10. that looks gorgeous! I use it as a gluten-free alternative to couscous, but mainly just because I love its delish nutty flavour!

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  11. Truly a superfood! 2 thumbs up!

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  12. This looks gorgeous! Have to try this version of quinoa!

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  13. I love quinoa, and this gorgeous salad sounds particularly good (esp. with addition of almonds and mint)!!

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  14. i haven't had quinoa in the house in too long. thanks for the inspiration!

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  15. The mint, almonds sound perfect for quinoa; I love the spicy kick of the dressing. Great salad!

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  16. Thanks lovely friends for the kind comments. I hope you try the recipe out and enjoy it as much as I did!

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  17. Mm... this looks delicious! Gorgeous pics! Quinoa is one of my new favorites, definitely need to try out your recipe :) Always for new ones!! I love the raisin, mint, cucumber combo!

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  18. very interesting salad.delicious quinoa and beautiful photos!

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  19. I love quinoa salads! So good and so good for you.

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