I love being able to make something that tastes good the first time around, and then using it in other dishes later. This delicious quinoa salad is a perfect example of that.
I cooked up some rainbow quinoa in my rice cooker (1 cup dry yielded approx 2 cups cooked). My first meal was this salad. I threw in radishes, celery, bell peppers, cucumbers, tomatoes, green onion, and avocado. I mixed it with some lemon juice and avocado oil, and voila a colorful, healthy, light meal that is perfect for dinner on a hot summer night.
You can add chicken, spinach, kale, cranberries, nuts, peaches or nectarines, apples, strawberries, or anything else that tickles your fancy. Get creative and play with the flavors.
Benefits
Quinoa is gluten-free, high in protein and fiber, and contains all nine essential amino acids. Quinoa has a low glycemic index, which means it is good for controlling blood sugar levels. It is also high in magnesium, B vitamins, iron, potassium, calcium, phosphorus, vitamin E and various beneficial antioxidants. All this adds up to a very nutritious grain.
Leftovers
The next day, I made tacos for lunch. I added quinoa, ground turkey, squash, and mushrooms. I topped it with avocado, because what doesn't taste better with avocado? You could easily add beans, beef, shrimp, and of course veggies, veggies, veggies.
I forgot to take a picture the first time I posted this. I made the tacos again today. As you can see, it's quinoa, chicken breast, radishes, and tomatoes.
For dinner, I made a honey mustard chicken breast, some green beans, and served it over the quinoa. It's a healthy substitution for rice, and cooks just as easily.
Three easy meals from just 2 cups cooked quinoa. What are you going to do with it? Leave a comment below and let me know how quinoa fits into your meal plan. Include a picture so I can see your delicious creation.