This colourful salad is super tasty and so good for you.
I love making salads that have a bit more to them than just lettuce, cucumber and tomato. A salad should be tasty, filling and fresh. The quinoa gives a plant-based protein punch, which fills you up and, more importantly, keeps you full.
Quinoa is also a great non-dairy source of calcium, if you find dairy affects your skin, and it’s rich in iron, magnesium and manganese.
Did you know that the United Nations declared 2013 the International Year of Quinoa? Me neither! This was in recognition of both the nutritional benefits of quinoa and the role it can play in eradicating hunger, malnutrition and poverty across the world.
So many reasons to love quinoa!
For me, it’s also the perfect weeknight dinner. You put the quinoa on to cook, spend 5 minutes chopping then you have everything tidied up before the quinoa is even finished cooking. Mix it all together and serve.
This recipe make a great side dish for a summer barbecue, picnic or buffet dinner. You can also serve it as a side to fish, chicken or steak if your family don’t fancy it on its own.
Ingredients
180g quinoa
600 mls boiling water
200g feta cheese
200g baby plum tomatoes
250g cooked beetroot
2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
50g pumpkin seeds
50g sunflower seeds
Freshly ground black pepper
90g spinach
Serves 4
Directions
Place the quinoa in a pan with the boiling water. Cover and simmer for 20 – 25 minutes until all of the water is absorbed.
Whilst the quinoa is cooking, chop the tomatoes, feta and beetroot. Add them to a bowl with the oil, vinegar, seeds and a generous amount of freshly ground black pepper.
Once the quinoa is cooked, stir it in to the other ingredients.
Place a big handful of spinach in a bowl and top with the quinoa salad.
Tip: this is a good one to double up the recipe with. It makes a really tasty warm dinner and is just as good cold for lunch the following day.
Eating a wide variety of fruits and vegetables is one of the best things you can do for your skin.