I’m a huge fan of quinoa. I’ve been making it for several years and my family loves how it is so nutritious. I’m not sure if you have seen it yet, but there is a commercial on that runs during football games that talks about quinoa…
http://www.ispot.tv/ad/7buR/bud-light-quinoa-song-by-stevie-wonder
Now, every time I mention quinoa my son giggles, looks at my husband and repeats parts of the commercial. Lol Yes, I would say quinoa has an earthy flavor on its own, but when you cook it with a broth it takes on that flavor. I like to cook it with vegetable broth and love the taste! I was in need of a quick lunch and came up with this salad…
Preparing Quinoa is very easy to prepare. It is made the same way you would prepare rice: 2 parts water or broth to 1 part grain. Bring water and grain to a boil, reduce to a simmer, and cover. Cook for about 15 minutes or until liquid is absorbed.
Quinoa
This gluten-free seed is a great source of protein. It contains all essential amino acids making it a complete protein food. Quinoa is a great option for people who are trying to reduce their meat consumption. Quinoa is also a good source of fiber and it also provides iron, magnesium, potassium, folate, calcium, phosphorus, and vitamins A and E.
- Iron is important for hemoglobin and red blood cells
- Magnesium is good for lowering blood pressure
- Potassium is needed or muscle contraction
- Calcium is needed for bone strength and nerve impulses
- Folate protects against megaloblastic anemic is needed for the metabolism of amino acids
- Phosphorus is needed for bone mineralization and collagen formation
Quinoa Nutrition
(1 CUP)
- Calories 222
- Protein 8 g
- Fat 4 g
- Carbohydrate 39 g
- Dietary Fiber 5 g
- Iron 3 mg
- Magnesium 118 mg
- Calcium 31 mg
- Phosphorus 281 mg
- Potassium 318 mg
- Folate 78 µg
Quinoa can be a very valuable addition to any diet. Quinoa is a complete protein, meaning it contains all the essential amino acids the body needs. That makes Quinoa a good source of protein for vegetarians.
- 1 cup red quinoa
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 orange bell pepper, diced small
- 4 green onions, diced small
- 1 cup english cucumber, peeled and diced
- 1 cup tomatoes, diced
- 1 cup edamame
- 1 small lime, juiced
- Prepare quinoa according to package directions using vegetable broth instead of water.
- Dice all the vegetables, except edamame.
- In a large bowl combine cooked quinoa and all vegetables.
- Juice one lime over bowl, stir to combine.
This Quinoa Vegetable Salad is amazing! It is so delicious and loaded with great nutrients. This was easily one of the best school lunches I’ve ever taken. The bell pepper gives it a nice crunch, the tomatoes give the salad a little sweetness, and the lime really brightens up the dish. After this meal, I had the energy to go back and face those high schoolers again. 😀
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