Fragrant Spiced Quinoa Salad

By Alqualonde

It's easy to prepare and a fantastic healthy substitute for starch in your diet. This salad is great on its own or made into a side with roast pork, grilled salmon or poached chicken breast for an extra healthy option.

Ingredients

• 2 cups quinoa
• 3-1/2 cups cold water
• Sea salt, for seasoning
• 1 lemon juice and zest grated (a little orange juice is nice too)
• 2 oz extra virgin olive oil
• 1 cup toasted nuts, your favourite or a mix cashew, pine nut, almond, hazelnut and pecan
• 1 cup mixed dried fruits: apricot, cherry, cranberry, raisins and dates
• 2 tbsp mixed chopped fresh herbs: lemon balm, rosemary, chive and parsley
• 1/2 tsp mixed spices: equal parts ground cinnamon, grount cloves, star anise, and nutmeg. Add more or less depending on your taste preference
• Kosher salt and fresh ground black pepper, to taste

Details

Adapted from freshjuice.ca

Preparation

Step 1

Soak the quinoa 30 minutes in cold water. Rinse thoroughly, then drain through a large fine mesh strainer.

Place rinsed quinoa in a 2-quart pot with the cold water and season with sea salt. Bring to a boil. Cover the pot, let boil another minute, turn the heat down to a simmer and cook for 10 minutes.

Remove quinoa from heat and allow to sit covered for 5 minutes. When cool, fluff gently with a fork. (The quinoa can be made ahead of time and refrigerated.)

Just before serving, mix the quinoa, lemon juice, olive oil, toasted nuts, dried fruits, herbs and spices. Adjust seasoning with salt and fresh cracked black pepper.

Sprinkle extra toasted nuts on top and if you have extra herbs, garnish the salad for a more finished look. This makes a great side dish room temperature or served hot.