Today I am happy to be bringing you the first of many easy quinoa recipes to come! The one thing that was most constantly requested in your survey responses was quinoa recipes easy enough to make at the end of a hard day.
You know – those days when it is all you can do not to call for carry out and the thought of facing one of my 20 ingredient recipes is just too much.
In response, I’m starting a new series that I’m calling Quinoa +5.
These recipes will include quinoa and no more than 5 other ingredients, excluding things like salt, pepper, cooking spray and water. I’ll also make every effort to create these recipes with ingredients that you are likely to have on hand. (Or at least give you substitutes!)
Some of these recipes, like today’s apple salad recipe, will use prepared dressings. I’ll try to give you a couple of options so you can use what you have on hand. For those who have a little more time and like to make their own dressings, I’ll give you options here is well!
Today’s quinoa apple salad recipe is not only easy to make, it was super yummy. I used my own balsamic vinegar dressing (made with chia seeds instead of oil), but any dressing will do! Just remember – the taste of the salad will be influenced by the dressing you use, so pick something you really like!
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked quinoa
- 2 apples, cored and diced
- 1/3 cup dried unsweetened cherries or cranberries
- ¼ cup walnuts
- ¼ cup fresh chives, chopped (If you don't have chives green onions would be nice)
- ¼ cup prepared Orange Dijon Dressing or Balsamic Vinegar Dressing ***see note
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients in a large bowl and toss until well combined. Salt and pepper to taste. Serve chilled or at room temperature. Drizzle with additional dressing if desired.
Notes
Carbohydrates 33, Protein 6g, Cholesterol 0 mg, Sodium 143 mg, Fiber 5 g, Sugars 11.4g
Nutritional Information Calculated based on a low fat dressing with 60 calories per 2 tablespoons
For the dressing, you can use any bottled dressing you like, I've just given you two flavors that I think would go nice with the recipe. If you prefer to make your own (I do!) you can use this Balsamic Vinegar Dressing for a low fat option. The recipe uses chia seeds and I typically make it completely oil free. For a more conventional but slightly lower fat option, you can also use this Balsamic Vinaigrette.
{ 0 comments… add one now }