Thursday, July 10, 2014

Avocado Quinoa Salad (Vegan)


Stephanie had a quinoa, avocado, cucumber salad yesterday and it looked yummy. I went looking for a recipe tonight. This is good - I have no idea if it tastes the same but I'm about to title this one "Steph's Quinoa Salad" in our family lore. LOL

Ingredients:

  • 1 Cup (250 mL) quinoa
  • 1 cup  (250 mL)  diced cucumber
  • 1/2 tsp  (2 mL)  salt
  • 1/2 cup  (125 mL)  diced red onion
  • 2 large or 3 medium ripe avocados, diced
  • 1 cup  (250 mL)  diced sweet green pepper
  • 1/2 cup  (125 mL)  chopped fresh parsley
  • Dressing: I use 1/2 of this - as I don't like my salad very "wet"
  • 1/3 cup  (75 mL)  lemon juice
  • 1/4 cup  (60 mL)  extra-virgin olive oil
  • 2 tbsp  (30 mL)  red wine vinegar
  • 2 tsp  (10 mL)  dried mint or 1 tsp (5 mL) dried oregano
  • Few dashes hot pepper sauce
  • 1/4 tsp  (1 mL)  salt
  • Pinch pepper

Preparation

1. If not pre-rinsed, rinse quinoa in fine sieve under cold running water. In medium saucepan, bring to a boil with 1-1/2 cups/375 mL water. Reduce heat to medium; cover and simmer until water is absorbed, about 12 minutes. Fluff with fork. Let stand covered for 15 minutes.
2. Meanwhile, in small bowl, mix cucumber with salt; let stand for 20 minutes. In separate bowl, soak onion in cold water for 20 minutes. Rinse cucumber under cold running water; drain onion.
3. For dressing, in small bowl, whisk together lemon juice, oil, vinegar, mint, hot sauce, salt and pepper.
4. In large bowl, combine quinoa, cucumber, onion, avocados, green pepper and parsley. Mix well with dressing.
Notes: This is more dressing than I will use in the future. I didn't have mint or oregano but had fresh basil and subbed it.  Not sure why all the soaking - I didn't do the full 20 min but will next time. Found this at Fresh Juice.  I'll be checking out more recipes here in the future. 
Choosing Joy!
©2014 D.R.G.
~Coram Deo~
Living all of life before the face of God...

1 comment:

wacocampbells said...

Ha! Almost exactly what mine was!!! I leave out mint because the hubby doesn't like it! Glad I inspired you :)