Healthy Recipe of the Month
Quinoa Salad with Asparagus, Dates, and Orange
This side salad combines several influences; the dates and orange are an Israeli touch; the pecans pay homage to the American South, and the quinoa is a high-protein grain from South America.
Salad:
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- 1/2 cup finely chopped white onion
- 1 cup uncooked quinoa
- 2 cups water
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 cup fresh orange sections (about 1 large orange)
- 1/4 cup chopped pecans, toasted
- 2 tablespoons minced red onion
- 5 dates, pitted and chopped
- 1/2 pound (2-inch) slices asparagus, steamed and chilled
- 1/2 jalapeño pepper, diced
Dressing:
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh mint
- Mint sprigs (optional)
Preparation:
- To prepare salad, heat one teaspoon oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add white onion to pan; sauté 2 minutes. Add quinoa to pan; sauté 5 minutes. Add 2 cups water and 1/2 teaspoon salt to pan; bring to a boil. Cover, reduce heat, and simmer 15 minutes. Remove from heat; let stand 15 minutes or until water is absorbed. Transfer quinoa mixture to a large bowl. Add orange and next 5 ingredients (through jalapeño); toss gently to combine.
- To prepare dressing, combine juice and next 4 ingredients (through garlic) in a small bowl, stirring with a whisk. Pour dressing over salad; toss gently to coat. Sprinkle with chopped mint. Garnish with mint sprigs, if desired. Serve at room temperature.
Yield:
8 servings (serving size: 3/4 cup)
Per serving: 164 (35% from fat, 4.3 g protein, 24.7 g carbohydrate, 6.3g (sat 0.7g,mono 3.5g,poly 1.7g), .4 mg cholesterol, 3.4 g fiber, 38 mg calcium, 2.5 mg iron, 186 mg sodium.
Recipes Source:
Cooking Light, APRIL 2008
Resources:
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