Quinoa & Spinach Salad

This colourful quinoa salad makes a tremendous summer dish. What would I do without quinoa. Fast fact: Unlike most grains, Quinoa contains all nine of the essential amino acids and so it is a complete Protein. Gym enthusiasts; this grain should be your best friend for muscle growth and repair. Quinoa also offers a good amount of fiber which helps moves stool down the digestive tract and iron which is an important constituent of haemoglobin. With just 222 calories/cup, cooked quinoa is worth eating.
Can we just take a moment to appreciate my new Tivoli Melamine Bowl from Lakeland's picnic range. It looks heavy right? Well it's actually as light as a feather, durable and is very pretty. I'm constantly exploring greens, the dressings and what toppings I use to keep the flavours interesting. The quinoa got coated around the spinach easily and rather quickly making this salad just that little bit more appealing. I'm currently cutting down on my meat intake and so chicken breast is sitting this one out. Eggs are a great substitute and good source of protein. Packed with different textures, this salad makes a great light lunch or dinner during these gorgeous summer months.


Prep time: 10 minutes                                                                             Cooking time: 15-20 minutes
What you need:

For the salad:

• 1/4 cup uncooked quinoa, rinsed and drained
• 1 tomato, sliced
• 1/4 cucumber, chopped
• 1/4 carrot, chopped
• A handful of chopped red cabbage 

For the dressing:

• 1 tbsp extra virgin oil (add more if you like)
• 2 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 3 tbsp French vinaigrette dressing 
• 1/2 tspn honey

Method: 

1. Bring half a cup of water to boil and add the quinoa. Lower heat and allow to simmer for 15 mins or until all the water is absorbed. Leave to cool.
2. Make the dressing by mixing dressing ingredients in a small bowl. Whisk well.
3. Place spinach, red cabbage, cucumbers, carrots and quinoa in large bowl. Add dressing, mix with a spoon and serve.

Enjoy:)

Nokhuthula xo