California Quinoa Salad

Likkel's Note:

My step mom brought this to our family's weekly lunch and visit. It was enjoyed by all ages (which ranged from 1 to 71! I am not sure where she got this recipe, but it is definitely going in my "tried and true" recipe file. Very good, very flavorful...and good for you! It has a nice, colorful presentation, too.

• Total Time: 25 mins
• Prep Time: 10 mins
• Cook Time: 15 mins

Ingredients:

Servings: 6

Citrus Vinaigrette

• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons seasoned rice vinegar
• 1 garlic clove , minced
• sea salt & freshly ground black pepper

Salad

• 1 cup quinoa , rinsed and drained
• 2 cups water
• 2 cups chopped fresh spinach
• 1 cup roasted chicken, shredded (about 4 oz.) or 1 cup cooked shrimp , cut in pieces
• 1 medium avocado , peeled and chopped (about 1 cup)
• ¼ cup thinly sliced green onion
• ¼ cup fresh basil , chopped
• 8 kalamata olives , pitted and quartered

Directions:

1. Whisk together the first five ingredients in a small bowl to make the vinaigrette.
2. Boil the water and add the quinoa. Simmer for 15 minutes until the water is absorbed.
3. Stir in the spinach and remaining ingredients. Add the vinaigrette and toss gently. Serve at room temperature.
4. Suggest doubling recipe if making for a larger group of people.

Reviews

[lalalucy]

This was a really tasty dinner. The vinaigrette was perfect, and I especially like the addition of the kalamata olives and fresh basil, really helped bolster the flavor. I realizing I'm just not big on avocado so I won't use it again, which I guess negates the "California" aspect of this dish, but hey, it's still really good!

[JenniCat]

Wonderful! a great variety of flavors. It was fresh, filling and satisfying. The only thing I did differently was cooked the quinoa in vegetable broth instead of water, and added an extra garlic clove to the dressing. We left out the basil because we didn't have any on hand. Thanks Likkel for the recipe! We will make this again for sure!