I am a HUGE fan of Quinoa (pronounced Keen-wah for those in the know.) When you first look at quinoa you may think "couscous" but where as couscous is itty-bitty pasta, quinoa is a seed. It tastes, looks and feels like a grain but it IS a seed. A REALLY smart seed. It is highly nutritious, packed with protein and fiber, and is gluten free. It has a mild, slightly nutty flavor. I purchase my quinoa in bulk at Costco. (Yes, it is now gaining popularity and it is well-deserved!)
Here follows my favorite way to make and serve this super "grain." Use just about any beans you have on hand in this. My favorite is chickpeas but in the photo you see pink beans. That's what was in the pantry so that's what went in the salad - it's very versatile.
The dressing on this is my mock Olive Garden dressing. You can use it on any green salad as well and save waiting 40 minutes for table at Olive Garden....... double the recipe - it's that good!
Quinoa & Bean Super Salad
1 cup organic quinoa, prepared according to package directions and cooled to room temp
1 can garbanzo beans, drained and rinsed (or any beans you have on hand)
Dressing:
1/2 cup olive oil
4 TBS. lemon juice
1 TBS. dijon mustard
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 tsp. natural sugar
3/4 tsp. dried oregano
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. dried thyme
1/4 tsp. pepper
Add rinsed and drained beans to cooled quinoa. Mix dressing ingredients in a cruet and pour over salad. Stir well and test flavor. Add more salt if needed. Serve at room temperature.
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