{“head_note”:”This summery quinoa salad incorporates raw carrot, zucchini, and yellow bell pepper for a satisfying crunch, while a homemade Garlic-Dijon vinaigrette gives it a tangy punch. I\u2019ve used grapeseed oil in the vinaigrette as it has a very neutral (virtually undetectable) flavour, but feel free to use another light-tasting oil if need be. I love to add toasted and salted pepita and sunflower seeds for a delicious roasted, nutty flavour, but raw seeds work well, too. This salad was inspired by a prepared salad I picked up from a local grocery store; I knew immediately that I wanted to make my own wallet-friendly version at home. Feel free to change up the vegetables as you see fit.”,”instructions”:”
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- For the vinaigrette: Add all of the vinaigrette ingredients into a small food processor or blender and process (or blend) until smooth. Adjust to taste, if desired. Set aside.<\/span><\/li>\r\n \t
- For the quinoa salad: In a medium pot, add the quinoa along with 1 1\/2 cups of water. Increase heat to high, and bring to a low boil. Immediately reduce the heat to low-medium, and cover with a tight-fitting lid. Cook, covered, for 12 to 15 minutes, until all of the water is absorbed. Remove from heat, stir, and cover with the lid again. Let \u201csteam\u201d for a few more minutes and then remove the lid to cool.<\/span><\/li>\r\n \t
- Meanwhile, prepare the veggies. <\/span>Roughly chop the julienned carrot and zucchini into 1- to 2-inch pieces.<\/span> Place into a large bowl along with the bell pepper, kale (or spinach), beans, and seeds.<\/span><\/li>\r\n \t
- Stir a few tablespoons of vinaigrette and a pinch of salt into the cooked quinoa until evenly distributed. Add the quinoa into the large bowl with the other ingredients. Toss to combine. Taste, and season with more salt, as well as a generous amount of pepper and garlic powder, adding a little bit at a time.<\/span><\/li>\r\n \t
- Spoon the salad into bowls, and top with sliced avocado and more Garlic-Dijon Vinaigrette. Leftovers will keep in an airtight container in the fridge for a few days. The dressing should keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week.<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ol>“,”foot_note”:”* You can spiralize the carrot and zucchini instead of using a julienne peeler.\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\nThe vinaigrette recipe makes 2\/3 cup (160 mL).\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\nQuinoa Salad Nutritional info (per serving, based on 6 servings, without dressing): 480 cals, 17.7 g fat, 20.8 g protein, 14.7 g fibre, 4.8 g sugar, 62 g carbs, 188 g sodium. These values may vary based on the nutritional software used and they were calculated using 1\/2 teaspoon salt. To reduce the overall calories, you can reduce the amount of seeds or avocado called for.\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\nGarlic-Dijon Vinaigrette Nutritional Info (per serving, based on 6 servings): 95 cals, 9.5 g fat, 0.3 g protein, 0.2 g fibre, 1.2 g sugar, 1.9 g carbs, 17 g sodium. These values may vary based on the nutritional software used and they were calculated using 1\/4 teaspoon salt and 1 1\/2 teaspoons maple syrup.”}
- For the quinoa salad: In a medium pot, add the quinoa along with 1 1\/2 cups of water. Increase heat to high, and bring to a low boil. Immediately reduce the heat to low-medium, and cover with a tight-fitting lid. Cook, covered, for 12 to 15 minutes, until all of the water is absorbed. Remove from heat, stir, and cover with the lid again. Let \u201csteam\u201d for a few more minutes and then remove the lid to cool.<\/span><\/li>\r\n \t