Quinoa Salad Recipe - A Quick & Easy Meal to Make at Home
Quinoa salad is one of my favorite quick and simple recipes that is packed with vitamins, protein, and antioxidants! I cook it at the beginning of the week and use it in everything from salads to soups to hot cereal!
Quinoa is a complete protein with all amino acids, and is a wonderful way to cut back on expensive meat and get more plant protein in your diet. Did you know that the average person in the industrialized world eats more than 176 pounds of meat annually? This is not only bad for our bodies, but horrible for our environment! Geophysicists have estimated that if every American reduced meat consumption by just 20%, the greenhouse gas savings would be the same as if we all switched from a normal sedan to a hybrid Prius.
I like meat as much as the next guy, but now that I know more about the effect meat growing operations have on our environment I consider meat a treat and eat it 4-5 times per month. I keep my food simple, focusing on fruits, vegetables, and whole grains as my primary food groups. Doing this has changed my life, so come along with me and I will show you the way!
Quinoa Salad Recipe
Ingredients:
- Cooked Quinoa
- Finely Chopped Kale
- Grated Carrots
- Shredded Red Cabbage
- Chopped Broccoli
- Chopped Cucumbers
- Avocado
- Olive Oil
- Sea Salt & Pepper
- Feta Cheese with Herbs
- Chopped Herbs: Parsley (Italian & Curly)
- Oregano
- Chive Blossoms
Instructions:
- Pre-cook Quinoa & chill in refrigerator
- Grate or chop your favorite vegetables
- Combine 2-3 cups cooked Quinoa in a bowl with your veggies
- Add 2-3 tablespoons of olive oil
- Add sea salt & pepper to taste
- Add chopped herbs
- Add Feta cheese to taste
Tip: Wait until you are ready to eat to add avocado and feta cheese so that it doesn't become soggy!
You can use as much or as little as you want of any of these ingredients. Play with it and find your own style!
Quinoa Health Benefits
Quinoa is most commonly considered a grain, but is actually a relative of leafy green vegetables like spinach and Swiss chard. When cooked, the seed becomes lighter and fluffier with a slight crunch and a somewhat nutty flavor.
Not only is quinoa high in protein, but the protein it supplies is complete protein, meaning that it includes all nine essential amino acids. Its amino acid profile is well-balanced, making it a good choice for vegans concerned about adequate protein intake. Quinoa is especially well-endowed with the amino acid lysine, which is essential for tissue growth and repair.
In addition to protein, quinoa features a host of other health-building nutrients. Because quinoa is a very good source of manganese as well as a good source of magnesium, iron, copper and phosphorus, this "grain" may be especially valuable for persons with migraine headaches, diabetes and atherosclerosis.
Resources:
GO!
Any questions? Ask me on Facebook, Twitter or leave a Comment - I would love to hear from you!
