Kristens Kickin Quinoa Salad Food

SOUTHWEST QUINOA SALAD

Steps:

• Heat the 2 teaspoons olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the garlic and saute until fragrant, stirring, about 1 minute. Add the quinoa and vegetable broth (or water) and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat, cover, and simmer until the liquid has been absorbed, about 12-16 minutes. Remove from the heat.
• While the quinoa cooks, prepare the lime vinaigrette. In a small bowl or jar, combine the dressing ingredients. Whisk (or shake in a jar with a lid) until well combined.
• Transfer the cooked quinoa to a large bowl and stir in the corn, black beans, bell pepper, green onions and cilantro. Add the dressing and stir gently to combine. Taste and adjust seasonings as necessary.
• Serve salad warm or cold, with guacamole or sliced avocado if desired.

KRISTEN'S KICKIN' QUINOA SALAD

Steps:

• Rinse quinoa well in a fine-mesh strainer or cheesecloth (you want to rinse until the water is no longer cloudy and makes no more suds). Drain well and transfer to a dry non-stick skillet.
• Heat the skillet and quinoa over medium heat about 15 minutes, stirring, until quinoa is golden brown. Remove from heat.
• Begin heating 2 cups water in a saucepan over medium-high heat. Add quinoa and bring to a boil. Once boiling, reduce heat to low and simmer, covered, 15 minutes. Remove from heat, uncover, and stir occasionally until cooled.
• Prepare vegetables while you are waiting for the quinoa to cool.
• Combine mayo, wasabi powder, lemon juice, tuna, salt and pepper in a large bowl. Add in red pepper and cucumber and stir.
• Add cooled quinoa and stir to combine.
• Serve garnished with pickled ginger and avocados.