Warm (and YUMMY) Quinoa Salad Recipe

Warm Quinoa Salad with Edamame & Tarragon

From: EatingWell

Quinoa, a super food from South America, is packed with protein and fiber. Toasting it gives it a slightly nutty taste, a complement to the walnuts and a foil to the lemony tarragon dressing. Try this salad over greens of any sort: fresh arugula, Boston lettuce leaves or wilted spinach.

Servings: 4 servings, 1 1/2 cups each

Prep: 25 mins

Total: 25 mins

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INGREDIENTS

1 cup  quinoa, (see Note)

2 cups  vegetable broth

2 cups  frozen shelled edamame, thawed (10 ounces)

1 tablespoon  freshly grated lemon zest

2 tablespoons  lemon juice

2 tablespoons  extra-virgin olive oil

2 tablespoons  chopped fresh tarragon or 2 teaspoons dried

1/2 teaspoon  salt

1/2 cup  drained and diced jarred roasted red peppers, (3 ounces)

1/4 cup  chopped walnuts, preferably toasted (see Cooking Tip)

DIRECTIONS

1. Toast quinoa in a dry skillet over medium heat, stirring often, until it becomes aromatic and begins to crackle, about 5 minutes. Transfer to a fine sieve and rinse thoroughly.

2. Meanwhile, bring broth to a boil in a medium saucepan over high heat. Add the quinoaand return to a boil. Cover, reduce heat to a simmer and cook gently for 8 minutes. Remove the lid and, without disturbing the quinoa, add edamame. Cover and continue to cook until the edamame and quinoa are tender, 7 to 8 minutes longer. Drain any remaining water, if necessary.

3. Whisk lemon zest and juice, oil, tarragon and salt in a large bowl. Add peppers and thequinoa mixture. Toss to combine. Divide among 4 plates and top with walnuts.

Tips:
Note: Quinoa is a delicately flavored grain that was a staple in the ancient Incas' diet. It is available in most natural-foods stores and the natural-foods sections of many supermarkets. Toasting the grain before cooking enhances its flavor and rinsing removes any residue of saponin, quinoa's natural, bitter protective covering.

Cooking Tip: To toast walnuts: Cook in a small dry skillet over medium-low heat, stirring constantly, until fragrant, 2 to 4 minutes.

MAKE AHEAD TIP: Prepare through Step 3. Cover and refrigerate for up to 2 days.

NUTRITION FACTS

Calories 404, Total Fat 18 g, Saturated Fat 1 g, Monounsaturated Fat 6 g, Sodium 645 mg, Carbohydrate 46 g, Fiber 16 g, Protein 17 g, Potassium 319 mg. Daily Values: Vitamin A 20%, Vitamin C 20%, Iron 25%. Exchanges: Starch 3, Lean Meat 1, Fat 3.
Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet