Sweet & Savory Quinoa Salad

This amazingly colorful, flavorful, and filling salad makes a great meal or side dish.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup cooked quinoa
• 2 cups arugula or mixed greens
• 1 can black beans or chickpeas (or 1 cup cooked beans)
• ¼ red onion, minced
• ½ cup broccoli florets
• ½ red, orange, or yellow bell pepper, finely diced
• 3-4 baby carrots, sliced
• 1 jalapeno, diced (optional)
• ½ cup cherry tomatoes, quartered
• 1 avocado, cut into ½” cubes
• 2 tablespoons raisins
• 2 tablespoons pitted Kalamata olives, quartered
• 2 tablespoons slivered almonds or pepitas (pumpkin seeds), toasted
• ¼ cup Champagne vinaigrette (see recipe below)
• Sea salt to taste
• Fresh ground pepper to taste

 
Preparation:

1. Prepare the quinoa according to package directions, then let cool.
2. Combine all ingredients except salt and pepper into a large mixing bowl and toss until well mixed (add more vinaigrette if needed).
3. Season to taste with sea salt and pepper and toss to mix.

Makes 2 main servings or 4 side servings.
 

​Oil-Free Champagne Dijon Vinaigrette
Ingredients:

• 1 small shallot, minced
• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• ¼ cup champagne vinegar (substitute white wine or rice vinegar)
• 1 lemon or lime, juiced
• 1 tablespoon pure maple syrup
• sea salt and fresh ground pepper to taste

 
Preparation:

1. Whisk together all ingredients in a large bowl until emulsified or puree in a blender or food processor.