Today I wanted to spotlight Quinoa and show you a quick and easy quinoa salad. Quinoa has gained immense popularity in recent years and has even been cultivated in my native Pakistan and although I didn’t grow up eating this pseudo grain, upon first introduction, it was pure love.
The benefits of eating Quinoa
My journey to eating whole foods started right along with my decision to go gluten free and the tiny quinoa checked both boxes. Loaded with magnesium, manganese and other minerals the tiny seed packs a powerful punch! infact, due to its high nutrient content, versatility and ease of cultivation, quinoa has been considered by NASA to be grown in outer space!
Quinoa contains antioxidants called flavonoids like Quercetin and Kaempferol. These have an anti inflammatory, anti cancer, antiviral effect and ladies, load up because antioxidants contain free radicals that help fight aging and other diseases.
For those looking to lose some weight, the quinoa does not disappoint! High in protein and fiber and low on the glycemic index makes it the perfect food for weight loss. However, fair warning to those on a low carb diet, it is high in carbs although as I always say, if it’s whole and not refined, you really can’t go wrong.
I love hearing how you like my recipes so please consider leaving a review and if you’re on Instagram, tag me in your pics @eatdrinkpure
Quinoa Salad
Ingredients
- 2 CUPS COOKED QUINOA
- 6 BROCCOLI FLORETS CHOPPED
- 1 SMALL TOMATO DICED
- 1 AVOCADO DICED
- HANDFUL CILANTRO CHOPPED
- 2-3 HANDFULS BABY SPINACH
- ½ CUP DRIED CRANBERRIES/ Pomegranate seeds
- ¼ cup SUNFLOWER SEEDS OR ANY OTHER NUT / SEED
- DRESSING
- 1 LEMON JUICED
- 1/4 CUP OLIVE OIL
- 1/2 TEASPOON SALT OR TO TASTE
- 1/4 TEASPOON PEPPER OR TO TASTE
- 1 TEASPOON MAPLE SYRUP
Instructions
- In a bowl, add quinoa and all the ingredients and toss. Store any leftovers in an airtight container and finish within the day if you have added avocado. if not, this salad can be eaten for up to 3 days. Any plain quinoa can be stored and used in place of roti and or rice.
Video
Notes
- You can make this salad a meal by adding protein of choice. In that case, the ingredients above will be enough for two main entree style salads.
how to cook and eat Quinoa
Now when you do make quinoa it is good practise to soak it first since there are compounds known as phytic acids that can reduce the absorption of nutrients but soaking or sprouting them should take care of this.
I eat it in salads, with my curry and anywhere else I would have used roti (flat bread) or rice. So tell me, are you going to be trying Quinoa? If you have, tell me in comments how you like to have it! If you like quinoa, I have another great idea for a quinoa bowl on the site.
I love hearing how you like my recipes so please consider leaving a review and if you’re on Instagram, tag me in your pics @eatdrinkpure
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