Tag: quinoa

Harvest Blend Salad

harvest blend recipe
Today I have another 2 for 1 rice/salad recipe for you. I came across this exotic rice blend at Trader Joes the other day and thought it would make a great cool rice salad for the warmer months. The blend includes israeli couscous, red quinoa, baby garbanzo beans, and orzo.  This salad is a hybrid of a tabouli and a balela; I am just going to call it “Harvest Blend Salad.” Fresh ingredients like parsley, mint, basil and fresh squeezed lemon make this a nutrient dense dish with pops of clean flavors. The addition of black beans and chickpeas amp up the protein making this an ideal dish for vegetarians. It is also a great dish to bring to parties and would travel very well without spoiling.

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Harvest Blend Salad

Ingredients

  • 1 c trader joes harvest blend rice
  • 1 cup grape tomatoes, halved
  • 1/2 c red onion, minced
  • 1 can black beans, drained
  • 1 can chickpeas, drained
  • 1 tsp garlic, minced
  • 1 c finely chopped parsley
  • 2 medium mint leaves, finely chopped
  • 2 large basil leaves, finely chopped
  • 4 tbsp fresh lemon juice
  • 1/2 c olive oil
  • Sea salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Cook rice according to package. Cool in refrigerator while preparing the rest of ingredients.
  2. Combine tomatoes, onion, and beans in a large bowl.
  3. Add chopped herbs. Mix well. Season with salt and pepper.
  4. Add rice and stir to combine.
  5. In a separate bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, and garlic.
  6. Drizzle dressing over salad. Stir to coat.
  7. Refrigerate until serving.
http://freshandfit.org/harvest-blend-salad/

Quinoa, Lentil, and Farro Nourish Bowl

nourish bowl recipe

Lately I have dramatically increased my vegetable intake. I am already a huge fan of of the produce department, but when my boyfriend is away for work I do not buy meat and eat mostly vegetarian. One of my favorite things to eat is a huge nourish bowl. I will often make one after a workout or for lunch. It is basically a salad with a spectrum of ingredients ranging from seeds and roasted vegetables to dried fruit and grains. You can absolutely add meat or protein of your choice. The one I am sharing with you today is a vegetarian nourish bowl, but grilled chicken would be a wonderful addition. Simply take a look in your refrigerator or pantry and get creative!

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Quinoa, Lentil, and Farro Nourish Bowl

Yield: serves 1-2 people

Ingredients

  • 2 c kale, chopped
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, cut into 1/4s
  • 1/3 c cooked quinoa
  • 1/3 c cooked lentils
  • 1/3 c cooked farro
  • 1/2 c sweet potato, cubed
  • 1/2 c carrots, sliced thinly
  • 1/3 c hummus
  • juice of one lemon
  • 1/4 c fresh dill, chopped
  • 1 tsp garlic, minced
  • 4 tbsp olive oil, divided
  • 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
  • sea salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 400. Toss carrots and sweet potatoes in 2 tbsp olive oil and balsamic vinegar. Spread onto a parchment paper lined baking sheet. bake 20 minutes.
  2. In the meantime cook farro, quinoa, and lentils according to package directions.
  3. Assemble kale, tomatoes, and hummus in a large bowl. When sweet potatoes and carrots are cooked add to bowl along with farro, quinoa and lentils.
  4. Whisk together remaining olive oil, lemon juice, dill, and garlic. Pour over bowl. Season with salt and pepper.
http://freshandfit.org/quinoa-lentil-and-farro-nourish-bowl/

Buffalo Chicken Soup

buffalo chicken soup

If you enjoy spicy buffalo wings and a hearty soup, this recipe is for you. It combines all the flavor of buffalo wings with tons of fresh vegetables. Quinoa also makes a guest appearance, helping to thicken the soup. It is a wonderful recipe to keep in your back pocket for when you are tired of chili and want to switch things up. I used grass-fed butter, organic broth and organic chicken. All can be found at your local supermarket or health food grocer.

1/2 C hot sauce
2 tbsp butter
1 tsp apple cider vinegar
2 tbsp olive oil
1-2 chicken breasts, diced
1/2c red onion, diced
1 tsp minced garlic
1 tsp paprika
2 tsp dried dill
2 golden potatoes, diced
2 C celery, thinly sliced
1 C carrots, thinly sliced
1 C whole milk
3 C chicken broth
2/3 C quinoa (optional)
Sea salt and black pepper to taste
Scallions, cilantro and blue cheese for garnish

In a small saucepan over low heat, melt butter, whisk in hot sauce and apple cider vinegar. Set aside.

In a medium pot, heat olive oil over medium heat, add chicken. Cook for 3-4 minutes. Add 2 tbsp of the buffalo sauce and stir.

Add carrots, celery, and onion. Stir. Cook for 5 minutes covered.

Add potatoes, dill, paprika, and garlic. Cook covered 5 minutes longer.

Add chicken broth, cream and buffalo sauce. Simmer 15 minutes with lid slightly opened.

Stir in quinoa and cook an additional 15 minutes.

Label into bowls and serve with scallions, cilantro and blue cheese if desired.

Crock-pot Thai Curry with Quinoa

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Thai Curry may be one of my favorite dishes of all time. It’s spicy and creamy with just the right amount of tang. This is the first recipe I’ve made that has come close to anything I’ve tasted in a restaurant.
Full of antioxidants, high in healthy fat and protein. Best of all you can put all the ingredients in the crock-pot and go about your day. Enjoy!

3 cups chicken stock
2 cans coconut milk
3 Tbsp red curry paste
2 Tbsp fish sauce
1 chicken breast
1 Tbsp minced garlic
1 Tbsp minced ginger
2 celery stalks chopped
1/2 cup diced red onion
1 diced bell pepper
1/2 cup frozen peas
2 cups chopped kale
1 cup cooked Quinoa
Juice of 1 whole lime
Cilantro for garnish

Turn crock-pot on high. Add all ingredients except peas, kale, lime juice and cilantro. Cook for 2.5 hours. When chicken is cooked through, shred and return to crock-pot. Add peas and kale. Cook for an additional 30 minutes. Add lime juice and stir. Serve over quinoa. Garnish with cilantro.