Tuesday, July 22, 2008

Quinoa Greek Salad

I love Quinoa. It is an ancient grain that has so much good stuff going for it! One serving is 190 calories, 35 carbs, 6 grams fiber and 7 grams protein. It is a great substitute for rice! And can be flavored with lots of good stuff.

INGREDIENTS
2 cups chicken stock<
1 cup water
1 1/2 cup quinoa
1/2 cup red pepper, diced
1/2 cup green pepper, diced
1 seedless cucumber, diced
1/2 cup black olives, rough chopped
1 cup grape tomatoes sliced in half
1/4 cup sweet onion, diced
3 ounces reduced-fat feta cheese or 3 ounces shredded parmesan cheese

DRESSING (or can use bottled Greek Dressing if pressed for time)
1/4 cup lemon juice
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon minced garlic
1/2 teaspoon basil
1/2 teaspoon oregano
Pepper
Salt

Be sure to always rinse quinoa well. (It removes the bitterness. I use a small mesh strainer). In a saucepan, bring stock and water to a boil. Stir in quinoa. Reduce heat to med low and cover.
Cook 15 minutes, until liquid is absorbed. Transfer to a large bowl and cool. Stir veggies and cheese into cooled quinoa. Whisk together dressing ingredients. Pour over quinoa mixture and toss. Refrigerate and give the flavors a chance to mix together.

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