Quinoa

Have I mentioned that I LOVE quinoa? I could eat it plain sometimes. I love adding it to green salads, topping it with fish or chicken, and creating lots of yummy fresh salads with it. I’ve even eaten it cold for breakfast with some almond milk, dried fruit and stevia!

Here’s some reasons why it’s so good for you,

Highly nutritious grain loaded with protein
1 cup of cooked Quinoa as almost 9 grams of protein
Low sodium content but rich in calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, iron, copper and zinc
Gluten-free
Good source of fiber
Promotes healthy bone growth
Reduces cholesterol

Source

My latest creation came from our love for Caprese salads. Ever since visiting Italy a few years ago, the hubby and I are obsessed with Caprese salads. Every summer we stock up on fresh tomatoes, basil and mozzarella and devour salad after salad. We could probably eat it every night. However, I like a little variation in my meals so I try to come up with new recipes using the Caprese basics, basil, mozzarella and tomatoes.

Citrus Basil Quinoa Salad

1 cup Quinoa

2 cups of water

1 cup halved organic cherry tomatoes

1 avocado, diced

1/2 cup or more mozzarella balls

1 can rinsed garbonzo beans

2 cups organic spinach

small bunch of cilantro

Dressing

1 bunch of fresh basil

2 cloves of garlic

zest of one lemon

juice from 1 lemon

juice from 1 lime

1 tbsp agave nectar

3 tbsp olive oil

salt and pepper to taste

Rinse quinoa then place in a pot with the two cups of water. Bring to a boil then reduce heat, cover and simmer for about 10 minutes or water is evaporated and quinoa is nice and fluffy. Cool in the fridge. Meanwhile, pulse spinach, garlic, and cilantro in the food processor. Add this mixture along with the tomatoes, avocado, garbonzo beans, and mozzarella to the quinoa. To make the dressing, pulse all ingredients except oil in a food processor. Gradually add in the oil. Add dressing to the salad and mix well. Adjust taste with salt and pepper as needed.

Probably could have eaten the entire bowl right there but I packed it away to share with others A very family friendly recipe too! The Love Nugget thought he was in quinoa heaven and begged for more!