Toasted Quinoa Lentil Poached Salmon Salad Food

LENTIL QUINOA SALAD

Steps:

• Put the quinoa in a sieve and rinse in cold water. In a large microwave-proof bowl with a cover, add the rinsed quinoa and 1 1/4 cups water. Cover and microwave on high for 9 minutes. Let it sit for 2 minutes then stir. Quinoa should be tender enough to eat, but with a little "pop" upon biting.
• Put the lentils in a sieve and rinse in cold water. In a saucepan, simmer the lentils in 2 cups water until the lentils are tender, but not mushy, about 30 minutes. Drain and cool.
• In a small bowl, whisk the mustard and vinegar together, and drizzle in the oil to make an emulsion. Add the garlic powder, lime zest, and salt, and pepper, to taste.
• To assemble the salad: In a medium salad bowl, mix the quinoa, lentils, green onions, and chopped cilantro. Top the salad with the dressing, toss to coat and serve.

SALMON WITH SESAME-GINGER QUINOA

Steps:

• Heat 1/2 tablespoon sesame oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the grated ginger; cook until slightly softened, 1 minute. Add the quinoa; cook, stirring occasionally, until lightly toasted, 2 minutes. Add 1 1/4 cups water and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium low. Cover and cook until the water is absorbed and the quinoa is tender, about 12 minutes.
• Add the bok choy, minced jalapeno and half of the scallions to the quinoa. Cook, covered, until the bok choy wilts, about 7 minutes.
• Meanwhile, bring 3/4 cup water, the sliced ginger and sliced jalapeno to a boil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the salmon. Cover and cook until just cooked through, 5 minutes. Transfer to a plate using a slotted spatula. Stir the soy sauce, lemon juice, remaining scallions and 1 tablespoon sesame oil into the poaching liquid.
• Fluff the quinoa; season with salt. Serve with the salmon; drizzle with the soy sauce mixture and top with the cilantro.

SALMON, RED QUINOA, AND ARUGULA SALAD

Steps:

• In a large pot, boil wine and 4 cups water.
• Add salmon, onion and thyme. Reduce heat to simmer; poach salmon until cooked through, about 7 minutes.
• Remove salmon; cool. In another large pot, boil 4 cups water. Add quinoa and cook until tender, about 11 minutes; drain.
• In a bowl, mix quinoa, chickpeas, raisins and spices; cool.
• Toss quinoa-chickpea mixture with arugula. Dress salad with lemon juice and oil. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
• Divide salad and poached salmon among 4 plates. Top each salmon fillet with 1 tablespoon harissa. Garnish with cilantro and almonds.

SKILLET-TOASTED QUINOA

Steps:

• 1. Cook the quinoa in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat, stirring or shaking the pan occasionally, until it is lightly dried out and toasted, about 15 minutes. It will make slight popping sounds as it approaches being done. To best ascertain doneness, scoop out a teaspoon, cool it slightly, and taste it. Touching it directly in the pan will not be a sure test, as the quinoa will be releasing steam.
• 2. Remove the skillet from the heat. Season the quinoa to taste and serve as a side or proceed with a recipe.