So, quinoa…have you heard of it? Well, it’s sweeping the food world & gaining quite a bit of popularity due to its easy prep & healthiness (oh & the pretty pics on Pinterest too ;).
Do I have you intrigued? Are you wondering what it is? Well, to start, it’s pronounced “keen wah” or “keen oh ah” depending on who you ask, and no matter how many times I repeat the correct pronunciation over in my head I STILL butcher it when I say it :)
Quinoa is a highly nutritious gluten-free seed. It is an exceptional source of protein, containing eight amino acids, as well as a good source of dietary fiber, B vitamins, & iron (you know – what the bag says ;). Quinoa is very similar to rice or couscous when cooked, with a light & fluffy texture. It can also be used as a high-protein breakfast when you mix it with breakfast-y staples like honey, nuts, or berries – the consistency & taste is kind of like oatmeal in this way, but much higher in protein. Quinoa is a pricier than rice, but if bought in bulk it can be a little bit cheaper (we get a huge 4lb bag at Costco for $10 – this is the same brand & bag on Amazon, but pricier)
This is another go-to meal for us due to its high protein content & easy-peasy prep :)
Ingredients
salad:
- 1 1/2 cups dry quinoa
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1 – 15.5 oz. can of black beans, rinsed & drained
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1/4 cup red onion, diced
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1/4 red pepper, finely diced
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4 tbsp. fresh parsley, finely chopped
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1/2 cup frozen sweet corn, thawed
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1 plum tomato, finely chopped
dressing:
-
1/3 cup olive oil
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3 tbsp. red wine vinegar
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1/2 tbsp. garlic, minced
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1 tsp. dried basil
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sea salt & ground pepper to taste
Directions
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Prepare quinoa according to package directions. Put in covered bowl & place in refrigerator for 2-3 hours to cool – stirring once with a fork, while refrigerated to maintain its fluffiness & re-distribute the heat.
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In a small bowl, mix together with a small whisk olive oil, vinegar, garlic, basil, salt, & pepper; Set aside.
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In a large bowl, add chilled quinoa, black beans, red onion, red pepper, parsley, corn and tomato; Mix together until thoroughly combined.
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Drizzle the dressing combination over the quinoa mixture and gently stir everything together.
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Serve cold. Yields approximately 6 cups.
And here’s the printable recipe (click on the button for a printable PDF file):
Adapted from The Naked Kitchen.
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We have the same bag from Costco, which has just been hanging around in our pantry lately. This will help! :)
:) We just bought another bag this weekend & had this again tonight – so yum!!! Thanks for stopping by Cassidy :) xx
I love quinoa salad. Your’s looks good!
Thank you!! And thanks for stopping by – I hope you try it – it’s sooooo yummy!! :)
xx ♥ m
Oh my favorite Mama Miss! :) Thank you for stopping by our Gluten Free Fridays link up http://vegetarianmamma.com/gluten-free-friday-recipe-link-up-1/
I have pinned your recipe to our Gluten Free Fridays (recipes) board on Pinterest! (and tweeted it) Thanks again for making it a huge success! We had over 100 gluten free recipes this week :)
Cindy
Yay!! Love it!! I think I told ya before but my really good friend is gluten free & I struggle to make snacks that she can eat…I’m learning, slowly, but I’m learning! I’m so glad we’ve connected in blogging land & I am actively gonna try to make some more gluten free yummies that I can share! Thanks Cindy!
xx ♥ m
Never heard of this. But I think I’m going to have to try it…if I can find here in farm country. Thanks for sharing at the All Star Block Party.
Thanks for stopping by Holly! Hopefully you can find it – it’s super yummy!
xx ♥ m
We Looooooove quinoa, and I can tell you that every Fri dinner we have some sort of quinoa salad.
During the week I sometime add cooked quinoa to my green salad.
Thanks for sharing your recipe. It looks great and I’d love to try it
Thanks for stopping by Winnie!! We love love love quinoa too :) I’m working on some other concoctions too – stay tuned :)
xx ♥ m
This is SUCH an amazing recipe. I am making it tonight for my family for the 4th of July! P.S. Sometimes I print your printable recipes just because I love your designs ;)
awww what a sweetheart! Thanks Rebecca!! Enjoy it tonight with your family :) Happy 4th!
xx ♥ m
I love quinoa and this salad is such a terrific idea! Thanks for sharing the tomato-love with us. Happy Mon.!
Thanks for stopping by Betty Ann! Glad you like the post :)
xx ♥ m
I have not had a lot of success with quinoa. But I might have to try this, thanks for sharing.
Sheila, you will not be disappointed…it’s soooo yummy!! :) Thanks for stopping by!
xx ♥ m
I am definitely making this – minus the onions!
of course!!! when you come I can make you your own special batch sans onions mom :)