NomEatNom - Lime and Mint Quinoa Salad

Mmmmmm, quinoa! How do I love thee? Let me count the ways!

You are so very yummy!
You are so very versatile — sweet, savory, hot, cold, breakfast, lunch, dinner…all equally scrumptious!
You are so very healthy! Not only are you high in protein and fiber, but you are also rich in vitamins and minerals – calcium, iron, zinc, potassium…just to name a few!
You are so very convenient! You pair well with just about anything and can be thrown together in a pinch!

It was this last quality that proved quinoa a champion yet again and inspired this recipe Sunday night. Sundays are always a busy day around our house. It’s the day to catch up on all needed chores and errands before another work week begins. Despite the hectic schedule, I felt like I had everything in control and had a game plan for dinner.

I also felt like it was six o’clock.

I looked at the clock to discover that it was actually 6:40. Forty minutes can make a big difference in the kitchen.

So, what did I turn to?? Why, quinoa, of course!

I quickly scanned the fridge and pantry for an inventory…a few fresh herbs, my usual stock of kalamatas (I can’t live without them!), a lime, and some veggies…I could make this work!

And, oh, did I! 🙂

Lime and Mint Quinoa Salad

(Serves four as an entrée; six as a side dish)

Ingredients:

1 clove of garlic, peeled
3 cups cooked quinoa (1 cup uncooked)
1/3 cup chopped kalamata olives
4 plum (aka Roma) tomatoes, chopped
15-20 baby carrots, chopped
1/3 cup chopped walnuts, toasted
pinch of sea salt
1 to 2 T chopped fresh basil
2 to 4 T chopped fresh mint
2 T extra virgin olive oil
1 lime, juiced

Rub the clove of raw garlic inside a glass or ceramic serving bowl.

Scoop the warm quinoa into the bowl and fluff with a fork. Add the olives, tomatoes, carrots, and walnuts. Toss to combine.

Season the mixture with sea salt and the chopped fresh herbs. Drizzle the salad with extra virgin olive oil and lime juice, and toss gently to distribute.

Cover and chill the salad until serving.

Before serving, taste test and readjust the seasonings if needed; sometimes chilling salads can dull certain flavors.

Feel free to sprinkle with your favorite cheese just before serving. I enjoyed feta on mine, while the hubby went for an Italian cheese blend. For those opposed to dairy, no worries — it tastes fantastic all on its own!

This is also an excellent dish to make ahead, or to take to a potluck or picnic. Watch with pride as your friends nom it up! 🙂