Toasted Quinoa Salad

**Jubes**'s Note:

Great dish- gluten free to serve as a side or beneath a grilled salmon steak or a grilled chicken breast piece. Similar to a cous cous salad. If gluten free- ensure GF tamari or soy sauce is used Serves 2 as a main with some salmon or chicken, or 4 as a side serve. Editted to add- this recipe is from http://aww.ninemsn.com.au/food/freshtv/785505/salmon-with-toasted-quinoa-salad- with regards to the name- there is no actual toasting of the quinoa done. I think the name is just in reference to the colour of the dish perhaps

• Total Time: 55 mins
• Prep Time: 20 mins
• Cook Time: 35 mins

Ingredients:

Servings: 2

• 3/4 cup uncooked quinoa
• 1/2 cup carrot, grated
• 1/2 cup red capsicum, chopped
• 1/4 cup parsley, chopped
• 1/4 cup coriander, chopped
• 1 Spanish onion, chopped
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice or 1 tablespoon other citrus juice
• 1 tablespoon tamari soy sauce or 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, chopped finely
• 1 teaspoon fresh chili pepper

Directions:

1. Rinse quinoa and drain (as you would with rice). Place in small saucepan with 1½-2 cups of water.
2. Bring to the boil, cover, reduce heat to low and simmer (12-15 minutes) until tender and all water is absorbed. Remove from heat and let stand for 10 minutes. Fluff with a fork and let cool.
3. Mix carrot, capsicum, parsley, coriander and Spanish onion in large bowl. Add cold quinoa and toss to combine. Whisk together citrus juice, tamari, ginger, garlic and chili. Pour over salad and combine well.

Reviews

[I'mPat]

This was my first time using quinoa grain (have used the flakes once) and WOW what an experience. Not sure if it came out right as it was not a very individual grain but a little gluggy, I used 2 full cups and it was completly absorbed in 14 minutes but the taste was fantastic. I made a full recipe and we each had a quarter and the DM has claimed left overs for her lunch tomorrow, a big plus getting her to eat vegies and something really healthy and to thoroughly enjoy. Will definately be using quinoa more but maybe cut back the liquid to see what results I get but as was definately made easy eating for the DM. Thank you **Jubes**, made for Make My Recipe - Edition 15.

[Kiwi Kathy]

Delicous and colourful salad. Made for Aussie Kiwi Swap, Dec 2010

[ala-kat]

Not going to rate this recipe as I haven't tried it yet, but it does sound good :). Many people toast their quinoa before cooking it. Put it in a dry pan on the stove and toast until a golden brown. Proceed to cooking it as usual. Toasting it improves the flavor (not that it isn't already good), giving it a 'nuttiness'. Adds about 10 minutes to prep, but it is certainly worth it.