Quinoa Salad

1 1/2 Cups Quinoa
1 1/2 Cups Water


Measure Quinoa first.... place in bowl and rinse throughly.... Quinoa will be bitter if you skip this step.  It does get a little messy and sticky but well worth the work. Place Quinoa and 1 1/2 Cups of water in a Medium Saucepan, cover and bring to a boil.  As soon as it boils, turn heat off and set aside. LEAVE LID ON FOR AT LEAST 15 MINUTES, do not peek... and if anyone tries to ... you have my permission to threaten with deadly force!!!  While your Quinoa Steams quietly and "undisturbed" Chop the following:


1/2 Red Onion
2 Tomatoes
2 Handfuls of Raw Baby Spinach
1 Cup Broccoli
1/2 Red Pepper
1 Cup Cilantro
1/2 Cucumber
3 Celery Stalks
1 Garlic Clove (minced)


Now...I like chopping my veggies for this salad very small. I use my Cuisinart Food Processor and Pulse each veggie individually.  Throw everything in a nice, big bowl... including your Quinoa... 


1 Whole Lemon (Juiced)
Olive Oil
Sea Salt and Pepper


Add the Lemon Juice and drizzle with olive oil, hard to measure that... I would say about 3-4 Tablespoons... give or take.  Salt and Pepper to taste... Chill for at least an hour... better overnight and enjoy!


6 Great Reasons to Try Quinoa


1. Protein- Quinoa contains complete protein, which provides nine essential amino-acids that promote growth and tissue repair.


2. Fiber- Quinoa has been found to be high in fiber. A half-cup of cooked quinoa provides 2.6 gm of fiber.


3. Calcium- Quinoa is high in calcium, an element for which many people require supplements.


4. Cardiovascular Health- Quinoa is high in magnesium, which is essential to cardiovascular health in that it relaxes blood vessels.


5. Headache Cure- The magnesium in quinoa may also help reduce migraines and milder headaches, it relaxes blood vessels.


6. Antioxidant- Quinoa contains manganese and copper, which together form superoxide dismutase, an antioxidant.