quinoa salad.

a deliciously easy whole grain salad
1 cup red quinoa soaked, rinsed
2 cups water
1 green onion chopped
5-6 stalks of asparagus chopped
1/2 a red bell pepper chopped
1-2 piquillo peppers chopped
3/4 cups walnuts chopped
handful cilantro chopped
2 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
juice of half a lemon
few dashes of ume plum vinegar
S&P


Begin by soaking the quinoa. After about 10-15 minutes rinse and combine with a half teaspoon of salt and water in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil and then simmer until the liquid has been absorbed, about 20 minutes. While quinoa cooks, prep your vegetables in a bowl. Once quinoa has cooked completely add it to the bowl of veggies. The heat of the grains will slightly steam the asparagus. Mix and toss with olive oil, lemon juice, and vinegar. Let the mixture cool slightly before adding the nuts. Once cooled add the chopped walnuts. Finish with cilantro and salt & pepper to taste. This great side dish is the perfect compliment to fish or steak. I enjoyed mine with baked salmon for dinner (and will probably have it again cold tomorrow morning for breakfast!)