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!
