This Recipe Will Make You Love Quinoa!

It took me a while to warm up to quinoa. It is a grain very similar to rice, but is packed with fiber. If you haven't ever tried quinoa, or if you are on the fence with it, try this recipe. It has great flavor that I think can persuade you to like this hearty grain. As always, I adapted the recipe a bit, but here is what I based it off of. My version is below.

Quinoa Salad with Avocado, Green Onions, Peas and Lime Basil Dressing
Serves 4-6 as a side or 2-4 as a main dish

Ingredients:

For Dressing:
3 tablespoons olive oil
Juice of a lime
1 teaspoon honey or agave nectar
1 clove of garlic, minced
1 tablespoon finely chopped basil
salt and pepper to taste

For Salad:
2 cups water
1 cup quinoa
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoon olive oil
1 avocado chopped
1 cup frozen peas
4 green onions, chopped
1/4 cup chopped basil
salt and pepper to taste

Directions:
In a small bowl or jar, whisk or shake dressing ingredients together, then set aside.

Add water, salt and quinoa to a medium saucepan and bring to a boil over medium heat. Boil for 5 minutes, reduce heat, cover and let simmer for 15 minutes. Remove from heat and fluff with a fork. (or just follow the directions on your package of quinoa)

While quinoa is cooking, add olive oil to a pan and sauté peas for about 2 minutes. Chop onions, avocado and basil.

In a large bowl combine quinoa and veggies, minus the basil. Pour the dressing over the salad and stir until combined. Season with salt and pepper then add in fresh basil.

Works great served immediately, or stays in the fridge for a couple days! 

Annie