HEALTHY & NUTRITIOUS QUINOA SALAD

This healthy quinoa salad is full of protein, fresh vegetables and plenty of delicious flavours. Salad doesn’t need to be boring, so try out this tender quinoa salad.

Healthy quinoa

Quinoa is one of the most popular health food in the world. Quinoa is packed up with plenty of protein, iron, magnesium, potassium and is high in fibre. It is very nutritious, gluten-free (perfect for people with gluten intolerance) and is very high in Antioxidants. It can be used as side dish, salad or added to homemade bars or granola mixes.

How to prepare & cook quinoa

Usually quinoa is used for cooking. It’s prepared similarly as rice or couscous. Simply bring the water to boil, reduce the heat and lit simmer for 20 minutes. Fluff and serve. Is that easy! Use ratio of 1 cup of grain and 2 cups of water. For even more flavor use broth instead of water. You may use quinoa plain, as a side dish of use it even in baking. Those who are gluten intolerant, can use quinoa flour for their favourite cookie recipe.

Types of quinoa

On the market there exists many varieties of quinoa:

• white quinoa (most common kind)
• red quinoa (holds better it own shape after cooking)
• black quinoa (more earthy and sweeter taste)
• quinoa flakes (good as rolled oat for breakfast)
• quinoa flour (for baking).

How to prepare delicious quinoa salad

Cook the quinoa: I always place quinoa, water & salt in a medium saucepan and bring it to boil. I reduce the heat and simmer quinoa for 20min. All the water will evaporate and only tender quinoa will stay. Transfer the quinoa in large size kitchen bowl and let it cool down.

Prepare vegetables: In the meanwhile, when quinoa is cooking, cut and clean vegetables; bell pepper, celery and radishes. Cut the vegetables on small pieces. Take the large bowl with quinoa and place all the vegetables (including beans and corn) inside. Add Parmesan and thinly chopped parsley. Mix it well with wooden spoons.

Prepare dressing: In another small kitchen bowl, mix together olive oil & lemon juice. Season it with salt and pepper. Pour the vinaigrette over the salad and mix it well.

Serve it fancy: Place pine nuts on small non-stick pan and toast them for 5 minutes over medium heat, stirring constantly. Serve quinoa salad topped with toasted pine nuts and cut avocado.

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