Keen On Quinoa Salad

Dr. Meera Dossa, ND
I like to think of the superfood Quinoa as the superhero of foods! Just like superheroes swoop in to rescue us when we are in a predicament, so too do superfoods rescue our bodies from states of dis-ease. Giving us the sensation and satisfaction of consuming grains, while providing a power punch of protein, quinoa is a great go to grain. It can be served warm or cold and cooks in about 20 minutes! Here is one of my favourite salad recipes.

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 cup quinoa (rinsed thoroughly under cold water for at least 1 minute)
• 1 cup low sodium vegetable broth
• 1/2 cup water
• 2 stalks of organic celery (sliced thin)
• 1/2 medium cucumber (diced)
• 3 green onions (chopped)
• 1/3 red onion (diced)
• 1/3 cup dried cranberries (sulphite free)
• herbed goat cheese (to taste), crumble this over the salad
• pumpkin seeds (to your liking)

DRESSING:

• 2 tbsp freshly squeezed lime juice
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• fresh ground pepper (to taste)
• 1-2 tbsp apple cider vinegar

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Rinse the quinoa thoroughly under cold water in a strainer. If this is not done, it will provide a bitter taste.
2. Add quinoa, vegetable stock and water into a pot and bring this to a boil. Once the contents have boiled vigorously for about 2 minutes, lower the heat to minimum and cover the pot for about 20 minutes.
3. At the 20 minute mark, remove the lid and fluff the quinoa with a fork. The quinoa is cooked if you see little curly q’s and it is fluffy.
4. Remove the pot from the heat and let the quinoa cool for about 10 minutes.
5. Transfer the quinoa into a large bowl add all of the dry ingredients to the quinoa and toss them together.
6. In a separate small bowl, mix together the olive oil, lime juice, apple cider vinegar and pepper. Stir the contents and pour this over the quinoa salad. Toss the salad, chill in the fridge and serve when ready!

Dr. Meera Dossa is a licensed naturopathic doctor at Davisville Active Therapy. She is certified and licensed to perform parenteral therapy in the province of Ontario and has successfully met the requirements for the Standard of Practice in Therapeutic Prescribing. To book an appointment for naturopathic therapy, diagnostic testing, dietary assessment, or intravenous therapy, please contact Dr. Meera Dossa, ND at 647-705-1242 or [email protected].