Thursday, May 19, 2011

Off The Top Of My Head

Every once in a while, I make up a recipe with ingredients I have on hand.  I'm usually inspired by another recipe or something a friend has made.  Some results are great.  Others...not so much.  In yesterday's case, my friend Shannon shared a quinoa salad recipe she had made.  Once I saw the recipe, my wheels started turning.  Hubby has been trying to take healthy lunches to work and a quinoa salad seemed like the perfect solution.  I could make a nice big batch too keep in the fridge and we could both eat it for lunch.  So assessed what I had on hand and this is what I came up with.

Quinoa Salad with White Beans

2 cups quinoa
3 cups water
1 can white beans (I used great northern but canellini or chick peas would work too)
2 large tomatoes, chopped
1/2 large sweet onion, chopped
1 large cucumber, peeled, seeded and chopped
2 cloves of garlic, minced (more or less depending on your preference)
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
3/4 cup olive oil
2 oz. feta
1/4 cup parsley, chopped
Salt and pepper to taste

Cook the quinoa in the water with a bit of salt.  While it's cooking, combine the beans, tomatoes, onion and cucumber in a bowl.  Make a dressing with the garlic, lemon juice and olive oil, whisking to combine.

When the quinoa is done cooking, remove it from the heat and let it cool a bit.  Once cooled, combine the quinoa with the vegetables in the bowl.  Add the dressing and stir to combine.  Let the salad sit for a bit then season as needed.  At the very end, add the parsley and feta and refrigerate until ready to serve.

I really liked it but the true test is always hubby and wouldn't you know, he liked it too.  I am sure there are tons of ways you can vary this too.  I can't wait to try some different versions!