Quinoa Salad with Pine Nuts and Cilantro

This is sooo yummy and healthy. I actually didn't add the pine nuts. Didn't have time to stop by Trader Joe's after all.

2 cups quinoa, rinsed very well
1 tsp kosher salt
4 cups water
2/3 cup pine nuts, toasted
1 bunch cilantro, finely chopped
2 stalks of celery, finely chopped
1 medium tomato, finely chopped
4 green onions, finely chopped
1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
1/3 cup lemon juice
4 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 tsp kosher salt
A few grinds black pepper

In a medium saucepan, add water and salt. Bring to a boil over high heat. Add quinoa. Cook uncovered until most of the liquid is absorbed and the quinoa is sputtering, about 10 minutes. Turn heat to low and simmer until all liquid is evaporated, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and scoop quinoa into a bowl. Set aside and cool.

Heat a small skillet over high heat. Add pine nuts and toss lightly until toasted. Pour onto quinoa. Add chopped ingredients. Stir to combine.

Combine olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, salt and pepper in a small bowl. Whisk to combine. Pour over quinoa and stir well. Serve cold or at room temperature.

Yields 6 servings.

Orzo Salad

Orzo Salad with Cranberries, Feta Cheese & Fresh Spinach

Orzo:
Cooking Orzo pasta according to box directions. Instead of water use chicken broth. This simply adds a wonderful flavor to your pasta. Don't add any salt if you are using the full flavored broth. Drain broth and let pasta cool down for a few minutes. Toss pasta with 4 tablespoons of olive oil.

Homemade Creamy Balsamic Vinegar Dressing
1/4 cup lemon juice
1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
1/2 cup olive oil
2 tablespoons dijon mustard
2 tablespoons honey
2 tablespoons
1 teaspoon pepper
1 teaspoon salt

I don't use any mixing bowl for my homemade salad dressings. I always use a glass jar. Add all ingredients and shake well until blended. You will have some extra dressing for a salad later on.

Using a large salad bowl add your cooked orzo pasta add your homemade dressing. Add cranberries, feta cheese, pine nuts (optional), fresh chopped parsley & add fresh spinach before serving your dish. This dish is amazing for lunch and dinner parties. You can pair it with anything. I paired it with baked chicken & white fish.

Enjoy!

Mixed Greens with Homemade Dressing

Mixed greens, mandarin oranges, dried cranberries, Gorgonzola cheese & homemade creamy balsamic dressing.

Homemade Creamy Balsamic Vinegar Dressing
1/4 cup lemon juice
1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
1/2 cup olive oil
2 tablespoons dijon mustard
2 tablespoons honey
2 tablespoons
1 teaspoon pepper
1 teaspoon salt

I don't use any mixing bowl for my homemade salad dressings. I always use a glass jar. Add all ingredients and shake well until blended. You will have some extra dressing for a salad later on.

Salad Ingredients
Mixed Greens
Mandarin Oranges (canned and drain juice)
Dried Cranberries
Gorgonzola Cheese (prefer this to Feta for this salad the Gorgonzola cheese compliments the fruits)

Easy salad to pair with any meal. :) I paired it with my Chicken & Wild Rice Soup.

Enjoy!