Quinoa Salad With Sun-Dried Tomatoes

Submitted by LizAnn

"Everyone who has tried this loves it. I came up with this recipe as an alternative to pasta salad. I buy all the ingredients at Trader Joes. Sometimes I get a real craving for this salad. Its tastey, crunchy and healthy. Yum!"

 

• Ready In: 40mins
• Ingredients: 7
• Serves: 8

ingredients

• 1 (16 ounce) box quinoa
• 1 (8 1/2 ounce) jar sun-dried tomatoes, julienne sliced packed in oil
• 10 ounces black olives, sliced
• 6 ounces fat free feta cheese
• 4 ounces pine nuts, toasted
• 2 ounces fresh basil leaves, chopped (may add more)
• 6 large fresh garlic cloves, chopped

directions

1. Thoroughly rinse Quinoa in cold water. Drain well in fine sieve.
2. Dry roast in a large fry pan over med-high heat 10 minute or until golden brown. stirring constantly.
3. Add 4 cups hot water (or however much package recommends).
4. Bring to boil. Reduce heat, cover and simmer 10 min or until liquid is absorbed. (basically, after dry roasting, cook according to package directions).
5. Let cool completely.
6. In large salad bowl, add cooked Quinoa and remaining ingredients. Toss and refrigerate till serving time.

Reviews

[FLKeysJen]

Easy to make and pack for lunches! Based on another review, I substituted Kalamata olives (used half the amount) and used broth instead of water. Delicious!

 

[Maito]

Good salad. I used Kalamata olives and always toast my quinoa before rinising it. I followed the directions and used water, but really missed the flavor broth usually gives it.

 

[lucid501]

I think this is a good mix of flavors, but I guess I don't like quinoa. This was my first time tasting it. I would enjoy this mix with rice or orzo instead of the quinoa I think. However, DH tried it and couldn't stop raving about it. So I guess if you like quinoa, you will love this salad. If not, try the add-ins with rice or pasta--it is a great mix of flavors.