Quinoa is such a funny work and an odd little grain, but truly packs a punch of protein, whole grains and fiber.  My boys have no idea what they are eating and as long as they eat This is a yummy little salad I stole from Better Homes and Garden.  I played with it a little bit and loved the sweet, citrus flavor!

For the health benefits of quinoa read below - I mean past the recipe!  Give it a try . . . 


HONEY QUINOA SALAD
Honey Vinaigrette
2 Tb grated ginger
1/4 Cup honey
2 Tb white wine vinegar 
2 Tb fresh lime juice
1 small clove garlic, minced
1/4 Cup extra virgin olive oil 


Quinoa Salad
1 Cup water
2/3 Cup uncooked quinoa (rinsed)
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 Cup cashews, chopped roughly
1/2 Cup dried apricots, sliced thinly
1 Cup dark sweet cherries or grapes
1/4 Cup thinly sliced red onions
1 small head of butter lettuce, or other salad greens
(I added roasted asparagus I had left over)

In a small bowl whisk together ginger, honey, vinegar, lime juice and garlic.  Drizzle  in olive oil, whisking constantly until well blended.  Set aside.

In a medium sauce pan bring water, Quinoa, and salt to boiling.  Reduce heat and simmer, covered for 10 mintutes or until absorbed.  Remove from heat and sit 10 minutes.  Fluff with a fork.

Toss quinoa with cashews, apricots, cherries or grapes, and onion.  Add lettuce and drizzle with some of the vinigrette to taste.  Refrigerate remaining up to 5 dayys in a sealed jar.  

372 cal. per serving
17 g fat
5 g fiber
9 g protein

ENJOY!!

1. Quinoa is a protein powerhouse - packaged in a tiny house.  Proteins are essential to the building and repair of the body’s tissues and to basic functions like growth, digestion and excretion. Quinoa has a higher protein content than wheat, barley or other major grains. One cup of quinoa has 9 grams, which trumps the protein-rich egg (6 grams). Quinoa, which contains all 8 of the essential amino acids, is a complete protein. It has become a favorite dish among vegans and vegetarians, but the pleasures and benefits of it are available to anyone seeking an alternative to meat, eggs and dairy products as a protein source. 

2. Quinoa is a dieter’s dream!  It is a satisfying, low-cholesterol source of complex carbohydrates. Rich in fiber, it’s digested slowly and has a low glycemic index, helping you steer clear of the blood-sugar roller coaster. With its chewy texture, quinoa can be eaten at a leisurely pace. Its heart-healthy polyunsaturated fats will leave you feeling full while providing more nutritional content than breads or cereals made of refined grains. Quinoa can be eaten as a breakfast food to provide long-lasting energy and help you breeze through your morning workout. A meal of vegetables and quinoa, or quinoa and beans, is a dieter’s dream: high in vitamins, minerals and protein, while low in fat and calories.

3.Qunioa is a great internal cleanser/detoxifier.  As a complex carbohydrate, quinoa acts an internal cleanser, easing the progress of food through the digestive tract. Used regularly in your diet, quinoa can help keep you free of constipation and bloating. Unlike more common grains such as wheat, quinoa is gluten-free and can be enjoyed by people with digestive disorders, like celiac disease. This versatile seed can be used in breads, soups or other foods where grains are a primary ingredient, offering a steady source of colon-cleansing fiber. The vitamin B and folate in quinoa also help the liver in its role of eliminating wastes from the body, adding to quinoa’s detoxifying properties.

4. Quinoa is a natural bone builer.  For vegans, people with lactose intolerance or those who are simply looking for non-dairy sources of this vital mineral, quinoa is a flavorful source of plant-derived calcium. Calcium builds and maintains bones and teeth, helps regulate the contraction of the heart, and facilitates nerve and muscle function. One cup of cooked quinoa contains 30 milligrams of calcium. Quinoa also contains impressive quantities of potassium, magnesium and zinc, minerals that are crucial for heart, nerve and muscle function.

5. Quinoa is a brain food. A cup of cooked quinoa offers 15 percent of the U.S. Recommended Daily Allowance of iron, which helps to deliver oxygen to the blood, boosting energy and brain power. Quinoa’s vitamin B content can help keep the mind sharp, maintain brain volume and stabilize mood.

There you have it!  A natural boost of all sorts of good for you stuff!  Even if you can't pronounce it, you can easily enjoy the benefits!


What is your favorite spring time salad? Have  you licked the pollen yet?  Since I am on a Celebrity News Free period during Lent, what was the deal with Kim Kardashian getting floured?  Is that really a word?