Strawberry Mint Quinoa Salad With Lemon Vinaigrette Featuring Ve Food

ARUGULA, LEMON QUINOA SALAD

Steps:

• Quinoa -- Cook according to directions. For most brands it is 1 part to approximately 2 parts liquid. Rinse the quinoa very well before you cook it - Important Step! Then bring the liquid to a boil (I prefer to use a broth to add even more flavor), reduce, and simmer for about 15 minutes. Just check your package for complete directions. Once done, just set to the side to cool.
• Salad Ingredients -- In your serving bowl, add the arugula, onion, scallions, garlic, peas, parsley and lemon zest. Toss well.
• Vinaigrette -- I like to make my vinaigrettes in a small tupperware container so I can just shake it and it is ready to go. Besides, if you don't use all your dressing, just put the lid back on and it will keep in the refrigerator for future use. But you can also mix this up in any small bowl or measuring cup. Just mix up the olive oil, lemon juice, shallot, mustard, sugar and pepper.
• Finish -- Simply add the cooled or room temp quinoa to the salad vegetables and toss. Add a little vinaigrette at a time and mix. Add as much vinaigrette as you want. Check for seasoning and add any additional salt and pepper if needed.
• Serve -- ENJOY this lighter salad.

QUINOA SALAD WITH MINT, ALMONDS AND CRANBERRIES

Steps:

• Bring the chicken broth to a boil in a saucepan over high heat. Add quinoa, reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer until the quinoa is tender and the liquid has been absorbed, about 13 minutes. Stir in olive oil; fluff quinoa with a fork. Set aside to cool slightly.
• Stir mint, almonds, dried cranberries, kale, carrots, celery, scallion, grape tomatoes, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Season to taste with salt and ground black pepper.

QUINOA VEGGIE SALAD WITH ZESTY VINAIGRETTE

Steps:

• Bring the quinoa and water to a boil in a saucepan. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer until the quinoa is tender and the water has been absorbed, about 15 to 20 minutes. Scrape the cooked quinoa into a large bowl and refrigerate until cold, about 1 hour.
• Place the vinegar, salt, pepper, lemon juice, and mustard into a blender. Drizzle in the oil while blending at high speed until the dressing is thick.
• Add the cucumbers, bell pepper, red onion, tomato, and olives to the bowl with the quinoa. Pour the dressing overtop and gently fold until evenly mixed.