Quinoa Salad

Quinoa Salad Recipe from Venezuela with Peas, Corn, and Jalapenos

Region / culture: Venezuela | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 15 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Quinoa salad is a nutritious and delicious dish that is perfect for a light lunch or as a side dish for dinner. Packed with protein, fiber, and vitamins, this salad is not only healthy but also satisfying and flavorful.

History

Quinoa, a grain-like seed, has been cultivated in the Andes region of South America for thousands of years. It was considered a sacred crop by the Incas and was even referred to as the "mother of all grains." Quinoa salad has become popular in recent years due to its health benefits and versatility in cooking.

Ingredients

6.5 tbsp canola oil
4 tbsp vinegar
1.5 tsp minced garlic
2 tsp dried mint
0.75 tsp dijon mustard
1 tsp freshly ground black pepper
2 cups quinoa
0.75 cup frozen peas
2 ears corn, kernels removed from cob
0.25 tsp salt
1.5 to 2 jalapenos, finely diced (depending on strength) and seeded
2 bunches fresh cilantro, chopped
4 medium sized tomatoes, deseeded and diced

How to prepare

In a large bowl, combine oil and vinegar, and beat for 10 seconds.
Add garlic, mint, mustard, and pepper, and mix well.
Rinse quinoa in a fine sieve and place it in a large saucepan along with peas, corn, and 2 qt (1.89 liter) of water.
Boil for 10 to 15 minutes, adding more water if needed.
Add salt.
Remove from heat, strain, and set aside to cool.
Add jalapenos, two-thirds of the cilantro, and half of the tomatoes to the dressing; toss with quinoa.
Garnish with the remaining tomatoes and cilantro.

Variations

Add diced avocado for a creamy texture.
Mix in roasted vegetables for added flavor.
Use different herbs such as parsley or basil for a fresh twist.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Rinse quinoa before cooking to remove any bitterness.

- Be sure to cook the quinoa until it is tender but still slightly chewy.

- Feel free to customize the salad with your favorite vegetables and herbs.

- Make sure to let the salad cool before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.

Serving Suggestions

This quinoa salad can be served as a main dish for a light lunch or as a side dish for dinner. It pairs well with grilled chicken or fish.

Cooking Techniques

Boil the quinoa until tender but still slightly chewy.

- Mix the dressing separately before tossing with the quinoa to ensure even distribution of flavors.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use olive oil instead of canola oil for a different flavor.

- Substitute fresh mint for dried mint if available.

- Use fresh or frozen corn kernels depending on availability.

Make Ahead Tips

This quinoa salad can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just be sure to let it come to room temperature before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the salad with extra cilantro and tomatoes for a colorful and fresh presentation. Serve in a large bowl or on individual plates for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

This quinoa salad pairs well with a crisp white wine or a light beer. It also goes well with a side of crusty bread or a green salad.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave for a few minutes or enjoy cold.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of this quinoa salad contains approximately 300 calories, making it a satisfying and nutritious meal option.

Carbohydrates

Quinoa salad is a great source of carbohydrates, providing energy for your body. Each serving contains approximately 35 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

The canola oil in this recipe provides healthy fats that are essential for brain function and overall health. Each serving contains approximately 15 grams of fat.

Proteins

Quinoa is a complete protein, meaning it contains all nine essential amino acids that the body needs. Each serving of this salad contains approximately 10 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

This quinoa salad is rich in vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, vitamin A, iron, and magnesium. These nutrients are important for immune function, vision, and bone health.

Alergens

This recipe contains no common allergens such as nuts, dairy, or gluten. However, if you have specific allergies, be sure to check the ingredients carefully.

Summary

Overall, this quinoa salad is a well-rounded dish that provides a good balance of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, and minerals. It is a healthy and delicious option for any meal.

Summary

Quinoa salad is a nutritious and delicious dish that is easy to make and perfect for any occasion. Packed with protein, fiber, and vitamins, this salad is a healthy and satisfying option for a light lunch or dinner. Enjoy the flavors and textures of this dish and feel good about nourishing your body with wholesome ingredients.

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of discovering this recipe for the first time is a cherished one. It was a warm summer day, the kind that makes you want to spend the entire afternoon in the kitchen, experimenting with new dishes. I had just returned from a trip to Peru, where I was introduced to the wonderful world of quinoa. This ancient grain quickly became a staple in my pantry, and I was eager to find new ways to incorporate it into my cooking.

One afternoon, as I was flipping through an old cookbook that had been passed down to me from my own grandmother, I stumbled upon a recipe for Quinoa Salad. The ingredients were simple - cooked quinoa, fresh vegetables, herbs, and a tangy dressing made with lemon juice and olive oil. It sounded like the perfect light and refreshing dish for a hot summer day.

I gathered up all the ingredients and got to work in the kitchen. As I chopped the vegetables and mixed together the dressing, the aroma of fresh herbs filled the air. I could already tell that this salad was going to be something special.

Once everything was prepared, I mixed it all together in a large bowl, the vibrant colors of the vegetables and quinoa creating a beautiful mosaic. I took a small taste, and instantly I knew that I had stumbled upon something truly delicious.

I called my family into the kitchen to try the salad, and their reactions confirmed what I already knew - this recipe was a winner. The flavors were bright and fresh, the quinoa adding a nutty richness that complemented the vegetables perfectly.

From that day on, Quinoa Salad became a staple in our household. I would make it for family gatherings, potlucks, and even just as a simple side dish for weeknight dinners. It never failed to impress, and I loved sharing this recipe with anyone who would listen.

Over the years, I have made some variations to the original recipe, adding in different vegetables or experimenting with different herbs and spices. But no matter how I tweak it, the essence of the dish remains the same - a celebration of fresh, wholesome ingredients that come together to create something truly special.

I have since shared this recipe with friends and neighbors, who have all fallen in love with it just as much as my family has. It has become a symbol of the love and care that I put into my cooking, a way to connect with others through the shared experience of a delicious meal.

As I sit here now, reflecting on the many years that have passed since that first discovery of Quinoa Salad, I am filled with a sense of gratitude for the joy that cooking has brought into my life. It is through recipes like this one that I have been able to express my creativity, share my culture, and create lasting memories with those that I love.

So if you ever find yourself in need of a fresh and flavorful dish to bring to a gathering, or simply want to add a little brightness to your weeknight dinner, I hope you will give my Quinoa Salad a try. I promise you won't be disappointed.