Simple Quinoa Salad Recipe
Delicious, quick & easy, gluten free, quinoa salad recipe


Quinoa salad recipe: cooked quinoa, lightly steamed veg, cucumber, fresh herbs, toasted nuts or seeds, oil & lemon dressing.  
Main dish recipe to enjoy any time, great summer salad recipe, and a delicious way to get enough protein in your veg diet.  
Total Prep and Cook Time: 30 minutes
4 Main Dish Servings
Nutrition Data Per 228 g Serving: 350 cal, 19g fat, 37g carb, 316mg sodium, 7g fiber, 10g protein, low Cholesterol, good source Vit C, A, K & Manganese. Est. Glycemic Load 18  



Ingredients:
1 cup quinoa
1 1/2 cups cold water
1/4 tsp salt
1 cup snow peas, shell peas, celery, or green beans
2 small carrots, peeled and sliced thin
1/2 green or red pepper, sliced thin
1 medium ripe tomato
1 medium cucumber, peeled and diced
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley, cilantro, or basil

1/2 cup chopped walnuts, toasted sunflower seeds or toasted cashews
Dressing:
2 Tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
2 Tbsp olive oil
1/4 tsp salt
Fresh ground pepper
Options: Pinch of cayenne, garlic powder or fresh minced garlic, minced fresh or dried ginger
Directions:

Quinoa can be made ahead of time and refrigerated
Soak the quinoa 5 minutes in cold water
Rinse thoroughly 2 times, pour off the water and drain through a large fine mesh strainer
Place in 2 qt pot with the water and salt
Cover the pot, bring to a full boil, turn the heat to low, and cook for 15 minutes
Remove from heat and set aside to cool
Steam the carrots and green veg for 5 minutes or until tender-crisp, drain, rinse in cold water and drain again
Chop the tomatoes, herb and cucumber
Blend dressing ingredients with a whisk or shake in a jar
Gently combine veggies, walnuts, quinoa and dressing in a large bowl
Cover and chill, or serve immediately