Quinoa Salad

Talk about healthy food and this is what comes to mind. Quinoa* is considered a complete grain, gives a lot of nutrition in the form of protein, carbs vitamins and a few minerals. I love it due the ease of use and the way it blends with anything makes it very versatile. Make a puliogare by adding it instead of rice or make a salad out of quinoa, it tastes good as anything. I also see a philosophical point here, acceptance makes a human being blend and mix into so many tastes and flavours. Enough of my philosophy here goes a very healthy recipe.

Prep time: 20 minutes

Cook time: 15 minutes for quinoa to cook.

servings: 2 for a meal and upto 6 as a starter

Ingredients:

Quinoa 1/2 cup cooked. Cook according to instructions on the bag. From the picture you can see, I have added, Red, yellow and green bell peppers, tomatoes, cucumber, onion, jalapeno and avocado. I have also added green leaf and romaine lettuce. I have diced them into tiny bits and mixed every thing together. Crushed a few tortilla chips and I topped this incredible salad with Honey mustered dressing, which i give below and put a spoonful of feta cheese just for the heck of it... :D.... As I have been saying, with salads, sky is the limit. Use whatever you think will go together. I have used approx 1/2 cup of each vegetable.

For honey mustard:

1. Mustard paste - 1/4 cup

2.Honey - 1/4 cup, or slightly more (you can use less too)

3. Vinegar - 3 tsp

4. Salt - 1/2 to 3/4 tsp

5. Pepper powder- 1 tsp (more if you want)

6. Chilly flakes - 1/2 tsp (optional)

7. Oregano dry - 1/2 tsp (optional)

8. Oil - 2 tsp (optional)

Method: 

Combine every thing in a bowl by whisking the ingredients with a fork or a whisk, pour on salad, toss lightly and enjoy.

* look in glossary.