Quinoa Salad


There has been a lot of talk about quinoa lately, and I see tons of recipes everywhere I go.  So, I thought it was about time to give it a try. 
I made this recipe for a family reunion potluck, and it was a hit!  Most of the family had never tried quinoa before, but instantly fell in love with this dish!  The bright colours made for great presentation to intrigue the family to try it!

Quinoa is high in protein, a good source of riboflavin (a B-Vitamin), and it’s gluten free; which is great for people with celiac disease or who have an intolerance to gluten.  Quinoa can be a great side dish or a main dish.


Serves: 4

Ingredients:
1 cup quinoa
2 cups water
¼ teaspoon salt
1 cup chopped red cabbage
1 cup shelled and cooked edamame
1 red bell pepper, chopped
½ cup shredded carrots
1 cup diced cucumber

For the Dressing:
¼ cup light soy sauce or tamari sauce(gluten free)
1 tablespoon sesame oil
1 tablespoon rice wine vinegar
2 tablespoons chopped green onion
¼ cup chopped cilantro
1 tablespoon sesame seeds
¼ teaspoon grated ginger
1/8 teaspoon red pepper flakes
Salt and black pepper-optional (for taste)

Preparation:
Add water, quinoa, and salt to medium saucepan and bring to a boil over medium heat
Boil for 5 minutes
Turn the heat to low and simmer for about 15 minutes, or until water is absorbed
Remove from heat and fluff with fork
Place the quinoa in a large bowl and add the cabbage, edamame, red pepper, carrots, and cucumber.  Set aside.
In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, sesame oil, rice wine vinegar, green onions, cilantro, sesame seeds, ginger, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper.
Pour the dressing over the quinoa salad and stir to combine

This salad can be served at room temperature or chilled.

Enjoy this colourful and nutritious salad!
Melissa

I’m Melissa Becker, a winter co-op student at the Perth District Health Unit.  I am currently in my 3rd year at Sheridan, studying Bachelor of Applied Health Sciences: Exercise Science & Health promotion.  I am a pretty active person, playing multiple sports and going to the gym, so I am always looking for healthy, nutritious meals to fuel up with! 



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