Tuesday, June 22, 2010

Quinoa Salad with Jalapeno Balsamic Dressing

My girlfriend Kim has a new little baby boy and I wanted to bring her some food that would be a healthy grab and go. This salad is filled with healthy fats, protein, fiber and antioxidants. The wiki says 'It (quinoa) is a good source of dietary fiber and phosphorus and is high in magnesium and iron.' One serving of quinoa has 5 grams of (complete) protein and 3 grams of fiber. You can beef up the protein even more by adding one cup cooked edemame. Serve with freshly cracked black pepper.




What You Need:


3 cups cooked quinoa, prepared in chicken broth (1 cup uncooked)
1 cup pineapple, small dice
½ cup baby carrot, sliced
½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved
¼ cup red onion, small dice
1 recipe jalapeno balsamic, recipe follows



What To Do:

Combine all ingredients in a large bowl, stir to combine. Refrigerate for at least two hours, preferably over night. The longer it sits, the better it tastes!



Serves 4


Bon Appétit!
Mary



Jalapeno Balsamic Dressing

What You Need:
½ jalapeno, diced
¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
1/8 cup balsamic vinegar
1 tsp honey
1/8 tsp kosher salt
1/8 tsp pepper



What To Do:
Combine all ingredients in a small food processor or blender until smooth.

8 comments:

Therese said...

I still have yet to try quinoa! I need to get on that...fast.

Your friend is one lucky gal...that looks delish. Congrats to her!

What's Cookin' with Mary? said...

Thanks :)

I love quinoa... however, my husband haaaaaates it, so I never get to make it. He says that the texture just doesn't do it for him. Kind of like roe, which I love.

I jumped at the chance to make it for someone else ;)

Danica's Daily said...

YUM!!! Now this just might inspire me to give quinoa another try :)

Kristen @ Change of Pace said...

GENIUS girl! Quinoa is so good for you and I never know what to do with it. I've bookmarked this recipe. It's so summery :)

Cassie said...

I have never tried quinoa before. But I am def going to now.. I love anything with pineapple!

Casey said...

Omg this loves so good! I have a huge love for Quinoa and the jalapeno balsamic looks awesome for this! Thanks I'll be making this.

Julie said...

spicy balsamic!? i'm in love with that idea girl :) what a perf dish fro the summer!

Lauren (PB&G) said...

Oh yum! I love spicy anything but would never have thought to pair jalapeno with balsalmic for a dressing! Thanks so much for the idea!