Easter Salad

This delicious salad made with quinoa is slightly sweet because it's cooked in apple cider, and the fresh lemon dressing brings out the citrusy goodness. A perfect salad for a spring buffet. You can also add grilled shrimp, chicken or salmon and dinner is done.

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Ingredients.

• 1 cup quinoa

• 1 1/2 cups fresh apple cider, chicken broth or water

• 2 bay leaves

• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

• ½ cup good olive oil

• ¼ cup freshly squeezed lemon juice

• ½ cup roasted, salted pistachios, or almonds chopped

• 1 cup roughly chopped fresh parsley

• 1 cup roughly chopped fresh mint leaves

• 1 cup cherry or grape tomatoes, halved through the stem

• ¹⁄3 cup thinly sliced radishes (2 to 3 radishes)

• 2 cups baby arugula

• ½ cup shaved Italian Parmesan cheese

• Flaked sea salt

Method.

Place the quinoa, apple cider, bay leaves, 2 tsp. salt in a medium saucepan, bring to a boil.

Lower the heat and simmer uncovered for about 15 minutes, until all the liquid is absorbed.

Remove from heat, discard bay leaves and let sit for 15 minutes, covered.

Fluff quinoa with a fork.

Dressing.

1. Whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, 1 tsp. salt, and ½ tsp. pepper.

2. Add dressing to the warm quinoa and set aside for at least 15 minutes to cool.

3. Stir in the nuts, parsley, mint, tomatoes, and radishes.

4. Add arugula and lightly toss Parmesan into salad. Sprinkle with the sea salt.

   
   

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What is Quinoa?

Quinoa is a seed, native to South America. It's considered a ‘pseudocereal’ that is used in cooking similar to traditional grains. Quinoa has a high protein content [for a seed], and it’s a versatile and gluten-free option too.

Benefits of adding quinoa to your diet.

• A complete protein, containing all the essential amino acids.

• High in fiber which aids digestion and is helpful in blood sugar regulation.

  Rich in minerals like iron-crucial for hemoglobin production and anemia prevention, magnesium that supports  muscle and nerve function and phosphorus important for bone and dental health.

• Contains B vitamins that play a vital role in energy metabolism, brain function and red blood cell production.

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How to Cook Quinoa.

1. Rinse 1 cup of quinoa under cold water to remove the natural bitter saponins, a natural coating that protects the seed from predators that can affect the taste and texture of quinoa.

2. Place quinoa in a dry hot pan over medium heat to toast for a few minutes.

3. Place quinoa and 1 1/2 cups of broth or water in a saucepan.

4. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and cover pot.

5. Let quinoa simmer for 15 minutes or until all liquid is absorbed.

6. Turn off heat and let quinoa sit covered for 5 minutes.

7. Fluff quinoa with a fork to separate grains.