Quinoa Salad With Avocado And Kalamata Olives Recipes

QUINOA SALAD WITH AVOCADO AND KALAMATA OLIVES

Steps:

• Place the quinoa in a strainer and rinse several times with cold water. Place in a medium saucepan with 1 1/4 cups water and salt to taste. Bring to a boil, cover and simmer 15 minutes, until the grains display a thread-like spiral and the water is absorbed. Remove from the heat, remove the lid and place a dish towel over the pan, then return the lid to the pan and let sit for 10 minutes or longer undisturbed. Transfer to a salad bowl and fluff with forks. Allow to cool.
• Add the remaining salad ingredients except the salad greens to the bowl. Whisk together the dressing ingredients. If using yogurt, thin out if desired with a tablespoon of water.
• Just before serving toss the lettuces with 3 tablespoons of the dressing. Toss the quinoa mixture with the rest of the dressing. Line a salad bowl or platter with the greens, top with the quinoa, and serve. Or if preferred, toss together the greens and quinoa mixture before serving.

QUINOA-OLIVE SALAD

Steps:

• Rinse 1 cup quinoa; toast in a saucepan over medium-high heat, stirring, 4 minutes. Add 1 1/2 cups water. Bring to a boil; reduce the heat, cover and simmer 13 minutes. Whisk 2 tablespoons olive oil with 1 teaspoon each whole-grain mustard and red wine vinegar in a large bowl; add 4 thinly sliced celery stalks and 2 tablespoons each chopped red onion, kalamata olives and parsley. Season with salt. Add the quinoa; toss.