Mediterranean Quinoa Veggie Salad Food

MEDITERRANEAN QUINOA SALAD

Steps:

• Bring the water, bouillon cubes, and garlic to a boil in a saucepan. Stir in the quinoa, reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer until the quinoa is tender and the water has been absorbed, 15 to 20 minutes. Discard the garlic clove and scrape the quinoa into a large bowl.
• Gently stir the chicken, onion, bell pepper, olives, feta cheese, parsley, chives, and salt into the quinoa. Drizzle with the lemon juice, balsamic vinegar, and olive oil. Stir until evenly mixed. Serve warm or refrigerate and serve cold.

MEDITERRANEAN QUINOA SALAD WITH ROASTED SUMMER VEGETABLES

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit with racks in the upper and lower thirds of the oven. Line two large, rimmed baking sheets with parchment paper.
• Divide the eggplant, zucchini and yellow squash between the two baking sheets. Drizzle with 1 tablespoon olive oil and toss. Add a little more if necessary; you want enough to lightly coat the vegetables. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Roast until the veggies are softened and beginning to brown, about 20 to 30 minutes. Set the roasted vegetables aside to cool.
• To cook the quinoa, combine the uncooked quinoa with 2/3 cup water in a small saucepan. Bring to boil over medium-high heat, then cover and reduce heat to low. Simmer until the water is absorbed, about 15 minutes, then remove from heat and let the quinoa steam with the lid on for 5 minutes. Remove lid, fluff the quinoa with a fork and set aside.
• To toast the pine nuts, cook them in a small skillet over medium heat, stirring frequently, until they're turning lightly golden and fragrant, about 5 to 10 minutes. Be sure to keep an eye on them so they don't burn. Transfer to a bowl to cool.
• In a large serving bowl, whisk together the lemon juice and garlic. Slowly pour in the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil while whisking constantly to emulsify the mixture. Add the tomatoes, quinoa, basil, mint, roasted vegetables and pine nuts, and gently stir to combine. Season generously with salt, pepper and maybe another squeeze of lemon, to taste. Garnish with crumbled feta, if you'd like. Serve at room temperature.
• Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

MEDITERRANEAN QUINOA SALAD

Steps:

• Rinse quinoa in a strainer under running water and drain.
• Bring water to a boil. Add quinoa and let it simmer for 10-15 minute (until water is absorbed and quinoa is translucent)
• Set aside to cool. Meanwhile prepare vegetables.
• Combine ingredients for the marinade, pour over cooled quinoa and stir to mix.
• Add herbs and vegetables. Stir again. Sprinkle with pine nuts.
• Cover and refrigerate 2-6 hours or more. (Serve at room temperature).