Quinoa Vegetable Salad

I would like to introduce you to a grain that was new to me, and may be new to you too.  It is a grain called Quinoa. (Pronounced KEEN-WA)

Quinoa is a grain that originated in South America, in the Andes region.  It was one of the main foods sources for the indigenous people there.  It is unusually rich in nutrients and can be grown in a wide variety of conditions.  It is very versatle and has a pleasant, mild flavor.  A website that discusses the nutritional value and benefits of quinoa can be found here.

I made this salad as part of our dinner, along with chicken and other salads, but it could be eaten as a light lunch or dinner with the addition of some smoked salmon or tuna, etc.

Salad Ingredients:

1 cup broccoli
1/2 cup quinoa
1/2 cup grated carrots
A few sprigs of cilantro
1/4 cup chopped spring onions
1/2 cup thinly sliced green beans (as you would cut spring onions)
2 tbsp. chopped almonds

For the dressing:

1 orange, zest and juice
1 tbsp. soy sauce
1 tbsp. olive oil
1 tbsp. balsamic vinegar
1/5th tsp. ginger, crushed


Instructions:

1.  Cook the quinoa according to the package instructions.
2.  Chop the Broccoli, cilantro, spring onions, and green beans into small pieces.
3.  Mix all the salad ingredients together in a suitable bowl.
4.  In a small bowl or jug combine the dressing ingredients.   This can be either added to the salad or set aside and added per individual preference.