Friday, January 24, 2014

Quinoa Salad

After posting a picture of this on my Instagram a few weeks ago, I received questions regarding what was in it- so here you go! It's quick and easy (exactly how I like my recipes). 

Disclaimer: I am NOT a chef, nor am I a nutritionist or Registered Dietitian. I am also not affiliated with any brands/products that are used in this recipe. I am NOT a food photographer, in fact please use this is a how-to NOT take food pictures. 

Quinoa Salad

Ingredients
1 Cup Quinoa 
2 Cups water or Vegetable stock ( I use the stock to add flavor)
1/2 Cup Diced Cucumbers
1/2 Cup Diced Tomatoes
2 Tablespoons Diced Red Onions
2 Green Onions (Scallions) thinly sliced
2 Tablespoons chopped Cilantro (I have also used the paste kind)
3 Tablespoons Extra Virgin Olive Oil
1 Tablespoon Fresh Lemon Juice
1 Tablespoon Fresh Lime Juice

Note: There are so many things you can add to this, get creative and add things as you like. I sometimes add celery, bell peppers and other veggies to it. I have also added Mrs.Dash and some other seasonings for a little added flavor. If you like it spicy, add some diced jalepenos. I also read about one salad that added sliced almonds to it, yummy!



There are two ways to cook the quinoa; stove-top or in the rice cooker. Personally I have always used the rice cooker because it's a "set it and forget it" kind of thing.

Stove-top: Combine the quinoa and water (or stock) and bring it to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer and cover. Cook for 15 minutes or until all fluid has been absorbed. Once cooked, let cool.

Rice Cooker: Add quinoa and water (or stock), hit start.....and it will stop on it's own when done (typically 15-25 minutes depending on size of batch). I like using this method because I can throw it in and cut up all the veggies while it's cooking (and not worry about paying attention to the stove). [Non-stick rice cooker is also really easy to clean!]
This is the rice cooker we have, love it!
I can't give you the proper way to chop everything up (again, I'm no chef), but I do know that having a "Food chopper" (we have this one) really helps speed things up. I'll also be honest in saying I rarely measure out the ingredients for this recipe. I tend to just cut up whatever and throw it in, it's not like baking something where it really counts EXACTLY what you put in there. 
This is what my veggies looked like last time I made this, like I said though I tend to add different amounts of everything each time. Make it your own by adding as much or little of the veggies that you like!

Once everything is chopped up, add to the quinoa and mix well. Best served chilled. 

This is a great side dish or snack to have on hand. I usually prep up a batch at the beginning of each week and put in small containers for on the go. 

It's also really good if you add Feta cheese on top right before serving, because come on...what is't better with cheese?


I really like quinoa for a ton of reasons. It is easy to make, and very versatile to use. There are so many things you can do with it, I make it in place of rice or pasta a lot of times. Here is a link to a great article I found on the benefits of quinoa--->The 7 Benefits of Quinoa: The Supergrain of The Future

Do you like quinoa?

If so, care to share some of your favorite recipes?
(I'd love to try them! Leave them(or link) in comments, or email me!)

Do you have any "Go-to" recipes that you make frequently?


7 comments:

  1. Hahaha!! I don't think this is an example of how not to take food pics, but you are hilarious! Quinoa salads are all the rage these days...I am still trying to like quinoa, but it's difficult to me. I keep telling myself that if I cook it in enough ways, I'll find one that I like!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Love quinoa!! I posted a quinoa recipe today on my blog also! I will def try yours too!

    ReplyDelete
  3. YUM! I am definitely going to have to give this recipe a try. I particularly like quinoa salad in the summer time when it is hot outside. Something about it is light and refreshing.

    ReplyDelete
  4. I made some variation of this pretty much every week last semester. Quinoa salads are just the best. I always add the feta though!

    ReplyDelete
  5. I want to comment, it looks so easy even LOLZ can do it. It does look amazing though!

    ReplyDelete
  6. This is made from all my favorite ingredients~ I just need to get a rice cooker to simplify my life. :)
    Feta makes everything better!!

    ReplyDelete
  7. Love the recipe! I don't have a rice cooker but I had no idea it could cook quinoa too. I might have to get one some day. First I need to use all my other kitchen gadgets. Love the recipe and I totally get your disclaimers about photos and all. :)

    ReplyDelete

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...