Quinoa Salad

by Besthealthmag.ca

This uncomplicated nutty and fruity quinoa salad recipe combines quinoa, almonds, apple, dried fruit and sunflower seeds dressed in a maple vinaigrette. I used cranberries, apricots and raisins as dried fruits.

This protein-packed dish is a great side or an easy lunch. The salad is nutty, fruity and full of satisfying texture. If you want to experiment with quinoa, keep reading for the recipe.


Nutty and Fruity Quinoa Salad Ingredients:

1 cup quinoa, rinsed 250 mL

1⁄2 cup sliced almonds 125 mL

1⁄2 cup coarsely chopped apple 125 mL

1⁄2 cup coarsely chopped dried apricots 125 mL

1⁄4 cup toasted unsalted sunflower seeds 60 mL

1⁄4 cup dried cranberries 60 mL

1⁄4 cup raisins 60 mL

2 tbsp finely chopped fresh mint 30 mL


Maple Vinaigrette:

1⁄3 cup pure maple syrup 75 mL

1⁄4 cup cider vinegar 60 mL

1⁄4 cup honey mustard 60 mL

2 tbsp canola oil 30 mL

*You can also use reduced- sugar maple-flavored syrup in the dressing.

*The vinaigrette makes almost 1 cup (250 mL), but you only need 1⁄2 cup (125 mL) for 8 servings. Place the remainder in a jar, cover, refrigerate and for up to 1 week.


Directions:

• In a medium saucepan, combine quinoa and 2 cups (500 mL) water; bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce heat to low, cover and simmer for about 20 minutes or until liquid is absorbed and quinoa is tender. Let stand for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork.

• Transfer quinoa to a large bowl. Add almonds, apple, apricots, sunflower seeds, cranberries, raisins and mint; toss to combine.


• Vinaigrette: In a small bowl, whisk together maple syrup, vinegar, mustard, oil and 2 tbsp (30 mL) water. Pour 1⁄2 cup (125 mL) of the vinaigrette over the salad, reserving the remainder for another use. Toss salad gently to coat.

*Makes 8 servings


Nutritional information:

Nutrients per serving:

Calories 233

Fat 8.3 g

Saturated fat 1.1 g

Sodium 29 mg (1% DV)

Carbohydrates 36g

Fiber 4g

Protein 6g

Calcium 47 mg (4% DV)

Iron 3 mg (22% DV)


*Hope you enjoyed this quinoa salad. Now I'd like to tell you about my favorite diet program that uses a lot of the healthy lower GI foods: Isabel de los Rios' 'The Diet Solution Program'.

The Diet Solution Program favours a long term health orientated approach to fat loss, but not offering anyone a quick fix to their weight troubles. It has loads of valuable data and research to support its approach. I personally investigated the program thoroughly and my mum has been using it for a while now. I have to say she got some great results.

The nutrition plan is one of the healthiest we have seen, a strong core focus on vegetables, fruits, vitamin dense foods, lean proteins, select dairy produce and a clear approach to not expecting one diet to work for all body types. So give it a try and let me know how you’re doing.*

Original Fruity and Nutty Quinoa Salad Recipe