Quinoa - How do you say it?!!

Quinoa. I've heard it pronounced so many different ways.... and it fascinates me how everyone thinks they are saying it correctly and will defend themselves AND seem insulted when you correct them... or indicate they might be wrong!

But, no matter how you pronounce it... it tastes yummy!

Filled with nutrients, low in fat, high in protein!

Especially in a cool summer salad.

I love when friends post new recipe finds on their blogs, so I thought I would pass along a new favorite of mine! I had it a few times this summer and LOVED every bit. Seriously - ate it for breakfast, lunch and dinner some days!

I love that it's "light" on the stomach, but filling. I love that you're getting veggies and nutrition galore when you eat it. I love that you can make it with a variety of different combination depending on your mood... or really, what you have in your home. But, more than anything - I just LOVE it!

So if you want to try it too... here you go! The quinoa can be made ahead of time and refrigerated as well... another big plus! I am also going to list just "the start" of things you can include.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup quinoa
• 1 1/2 cups cold water/broth
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1 cup snow peas, corn, shell peas, celery, lima beans, black beans or green beans
• 2 small carrots, peeled and sliced thin... or zucchini, etc
• 1/2 green or red pepper, sliced thin
• 1 medium ripe tomato & avocado
• 1 medium cucumber, peeled and diced
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley, cilantro, or basil

• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts, almonds, toasted sunflower seeds or toasted cashews

Dressing: Here's a recipe... but you can just also use light Italian dressing from the store as well!

• 2 Tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 2 Tbsp olive oil
• 1/4 tsp salt
• Fresh ground pepper
• Options: Pinch of cayenne, garlic powder or fresh minced garlic, minced fresh or dried ginger

Directions

1. Soak the quinoa 5 minutes in cold water
2. Rinse thoroughly 2 times, pour off the water and drain through a large fine mesh strainer
3. Place in 2 qt pot with the chicken/vegetable broth.. or just plain water!
4. Cover the pot, bring to a full boil, turn the heat to low, and cook for 15 minutes
5. Remove from heat and set aside to cool
6. Steam the carrots and green veg for 5 minutes or until tender-crisp, drain, rinse in cold water and drain again
7. Chop the tomatoes, herb and cucumber
8. Gently combine veggies, quinoa and dressing in a large bowl
9. Cover and chill, or serve immediately

As I mentioned there are so many variations to this. I found some that combined feta, watermelon, mint and quinoa... then tossed with a honey dressing or balsamic vinegar. I also found a pesto/tomato one that looks yummy too! I'm excited to try some fall versions and maybe I'll post another recipe soon!