Skillet Quinoa Salad Food

SERIOUSLY GOOD QUINOA SALAD

Steps:

• Add quinoa to a fine mesh strainer, and then rinse under cool water for 30 seconds to a minute. Alternatively, add the quinoa to a bowl and cover with cool water. Move the quinoa around the bowl, and then drain the water and repeat once more, so the quinoa has been rinsed.
• Shake the quinoa of any excess liquid. Combine the rinsed quinoa and water in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Bring to a boil then reduce to a low simmer and cook, uncovered, until the liquid is absorbed by the quinoa, 10 to 15 minutes.
• Move the saucepan off of the heat and cover for five minutes. This extra time allows the quinoa to steam and "fluff up." Uncover, and then fluff the quinoa with a fork. Set aside to cool slightly.
• When the quinoa has cooled slightly, in a large bowl, combine the quinoa, chickpeas, cucumber, bell pepper, bok choy, nuts, seeds, dried fruit, and the herbs.
• In a small bowl, whisk the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, mustard, honey (or maple syrup), salt, and pepper until blended.
• Pour the dressing over the salad and toss well. Taste then adjust with additional salt and pepper as needed. For an extra pop of flavor, spritz the juice from a few lemon wedges over the salad. Serve.

HEALTHY ONE-SKILLET SHRIMP AND QUINOA

Steps:

• Combine the tomatoes, scallion greens, lemon juice and a pinch of salt in a medium bowl and toss to coat.
• Add the oil to a large skillet and heat over medium-high heat. Add the tomato paste, Cajun seasoning, scallion whites, celery and garlic. Cook, stirring frequently, until the paste turns brick red and the scallions and celery just begin to soften, about 4 minutes. Add the quinoa and stir to coat in the tomato paste mixture. Pour in 2 cups water and sprinkle with 1/2 teaspoon salt and several grinds of pepper. Bring to a high simmer and cook until most of the liquid has evaporated and the quinoa is tender, 12 to 15 minutes.
• Adjust the heat to medium-low, add the shrimp, sprinkle with salt and pepper, cover and cook until the shrimp is firm and cooked through, about 5 minutes. Remove from the heat and scatter with the cherry tomato salad.

ONE SKILLET MEXICAN QUINOA

Steps:

• Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Saute jalapeno pepper and garlic in hot oil until fragrant, about 1 minute.
• Stir black beans, tomatoes, yellow corn, quinoa, and chicken broth into skillet; season with red pepper flakes, chili powder, cumin, salt, and black pepper. Bring to a boil, cover the skillet with a lid, reduce heat to low, and simmer until quinoa is tender and liquid is mostly absorbed, about 20 minutes. Stir avocado, lime juice, and cilantro into quinoa until combined.

SKILLET QUINOA SALAD

Steps:

• Heat 1 teaspoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add quinoa; cook and stir until quinoa is lightly toasted, about 2 minutes. Remove from heat. Pour in chicken broth slowly. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer until most of the chicken broth is absorbed, about 12 minutes.
• Layer broccoli, kale, and red bell pepper over quinoa in the skillet. Cover and cook until quinoa is tender, about 8 minutes more. Fluff quinoa with a fork. Sprinkle cilantro and olives on top. Season with salt and black pepper and drizzle with 1 tablespoon olive oil.

MEXICAN GROUND BEEF QUINOA SKILLET

Steps:

• Brown ground beef and onion and drain excess fat.
• Rinse quinoa.
• Add tomatoes, chilies, quinoa, water and spices to ground beef and simmer, uncovered, for about 25 minutes.
• If water evaporates, cover pan for remainder of cooking time.