Cold Quinoa Salad

Cold salad made with Quinoa as a base is a vegetarian dish.

Quinoa is a grain-like substance, technically a seed, that can be cooked and then tossed with ingredients to make a nutty tasting, cold salad. Quinoa is indigenous to South America; though readily available throughout the United States.

Significance

Quinoa is high in essential nutrients such as amino acids. The high protein content of quinoa makes for a filling base when used as the main ingredient in cold salads.

Types

Once the quinoa has been cooked, drained and cooled, toss it with a wide assortment of ingredients to create a variety of salads. For lighter dishes, mix quinoa with a vinaigrette dressing and staple ingredients such as thinly sliced red onions, green and red bell peppers, and cherry tomatoes. For a more substantial salad, combine quinoa with corn, peppers, black beans and onions.

Benefits

High protein, coupled with low fat content, makes quinoa a good alternative to meat. Quinoa can also be used in place of fish and poultry. The crunchy texture of quinoa makes it suitable for cold salads, and the distinctive, nutty flavor complements a variety of ingredients making it a versatile ingredient.

References

• Epicurious: Cold Quinoa Salad Recipe
• Good Housekeeping Magazine: Black Bean, Red Pepper, Corn And Quinoa Salad
• New World Encyclopedia: Quinoa