Herbed Quinoa Salad

Submitted by Rita1652

"After the holidays we need some healthy food."

 

• Ready In: 40mins
• Ingredients: 10
• Serves: 4

ingredients

• 1 1⁄2 cups peas or 1 1/2 cups green beans
• 3 cups cold cooked quinoa
• 1⁄2 cup crumbled low-fat goat cheese
• 1⁄4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 1⁄4 cup chopped mint or 1/4 cup basil
• 1⁄4 cup chopped fresh tarragon
• 1⁄3 cup chopped shallot
• 1⁄3 cup lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
• 1 tablespoon toasted cooled pine nuts

directions

1. To cook the quinoa: bring 2 cups of water or stock to a boil in a 2 quart saucepan.
2. Add 1 cup of quinoa.
3. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pan and cook for 10-15 minutes, or until tender but not mushy.
4. Drain off any remaining liquid.
5. Fluff with a fork to separate the grains.
6. Allow to cool before combining in salad.
7. In a 2-quart saucepan over high heat, bring one quart water to a boil.
8. Add the peas.
9. Cook for about 4 minutes, or until tender; do not overcook.
10. Drain and rinse under cold water.
11. Place the quinoa in a large bowl.
12. Add the peas, goat cheese, parsley, basil, tarragon and chives.
13. Toss lightly.
14. In a cup, whisk together the lemon juice and olive oil.
15. Pour over the salad.
16. Top with pine nuts.

Reviews

[Mirj2338]

I'm a big fan of quinoa, I've only started eating it lately, but it's my new favorite "side-dish" even if I eat it as a main dish. I do have to admit that I am not a fan of goat's cheese, so I used a really good sheep's milk feta. The sharpness of the cheese went beautifully with the nutty flavor of the quinoa. Before squeezing the juice out of the lemon I zested it and also tossed the zest in with the parsley. The recipe calls for 1 tablespoon of pine nuts, but that's a joke in this family, I topped it all with about 1/2 cup of pine nuts, which we all fought over, of course. Rita, thanks for helping me to add another quinoa recipe to my repetoire!

 

[Sharon123]

I enjoyed this fresh, healthy salad. I chose peas, as I had frozen ones. I did toast the quinoa in a iron skillet, then added water. Thanks Rita!

 

[katew]

I served this as a warm salad with bacon instead of cheese and it was great - it also could be served hot or cold and would be yummy . I toasted my quinoa first and it certainly reduces the earthy flavour, All the herbs were freshly snipped from my garden. Made for ZWT 7.

 

[magpie diner]

Had the quinoa all ready to go from cooking extra the day before, so this was really quick to put together. Love the freshnesh and the flavour combinations. I had to use another type of nut (pistachios), but otherwise made as directed. I did end up adding extra oil as I found it a bit dry, but that's more personal preference I'd say. I wasn't clear what type of goat cheese was intended here. I ended up using some very soft chevre, which was nice, but next time I'd probably use goat feta.

 

[GinnyP]

Excellent! Cooking quinoa is similar to cooking rice. I put it in the fridge after cooking since I did that part ahead of time. I used frozen tiny tender peas and just ran them under water in a colander to thaw them. I think the goat cheese I had on hand was called 'humbolt'. The ingredients called for shallots, but the instructions said chives. I opted for chives. I used fresh lemon juice and about 1/4 cup toasted pine nuts because I love those little guys. And I almost forgot! I discovered mint in my garden so used it fresh picked! (Fun!) This is awesome Rita! I hope more people discover the wonders of quinoa!!! Thank you for a really delicious recipe : )