Tangy quinoa salad
I don’t know why anyone would make boring old pasta salad when they could make quinoa salad. This tiny grain has a subtle nutty flavor, and is a completeprotein with a perfect balance of all nine essential amino acids. Nirvana for non-meat eaters.
For this particular quinoa salad, I was envisioning something on the tart side. But when I tasted my experiment, I thought I’d gone way overboard with the lime juice. In an attempt to tone it down, I threw in some currants. And what do you know, I had created the perfect balance. It’s sweet, sour, nutty and crunchy – what more do you want in a salad?
Tangy Quinoa Salad
2 teaspoons olive or canola oil
1 cup quinoa (well-rinsed, unless you have the pre-rinsed variety)
1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
1/4 teaspoon ground coriander
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1 3/4 cups water
1 clove garlic, minced
1/4 cup lime juice
1/3 cup chopped cilantro
1 teaspoon sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
1/2 cup diced red onion
1 small red bell pepper, diced
1/2 cup chopped almonds, toasted
3 tablespoons dried currants
Heat 2 teaspoons of oil in a saucepan. Add quinoa and spices. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly for 2-3 minutes, until quinoa smells toasty. Add the water and bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover and simmer for 15-20 minutes or until the water is absorbed and the quinoa is tender but still a bit crunchy. Spread on a baking sheet to cool.
Combine the garlic, lime juice, cilantro, sugar and salt in a large bowl. Gradually whisk in the oil. Add the quinoa, onion, peppers, almonds and currants and mix well. Season with additional salt to taste.
Serves 4
Have to tell you, this salad is just a little bit of OK. Served it again tonight to guests and they loved it. It will be my ‘go to’ salad this summer also! Thanks so much. Darienne
Love the salad. Definitely a perfect summer meal. I am loving all your recipes.
This was AMAZING! It was so easy, and full of wonderful flavor. As a new, very busy mom, this is absolutely going into the rotation! Thank you!
That’s great to hear, Sarah!
Does the quinoa need to be wet before toasting? Just wondering because I always buy the pre-rinsed type.
No, it’s actually better if the quinoa is dry
OK so I only had to buy currants – had everything else on hand remarkably – but where do I find currants in New York?? I’m from England originally where they are as available as raisins, but all I can find are Zante Currants?? Are they the same thing? Getting nowhere with Google.
Yes, Zante currants are the same thing. Currants are available next to raisins at just about any grocery store. Good luck!
excellent!
Yummy….my dinner tonight!