FIT FOR A QUEEN: RUBY CITRUS QUINOA SALAD

My Ruby Citrus Quinoa Salad is so fresh and tasty it will tickle your taste buds and keep you satisfied all day long! 


Pomegranate gems and quinoa gems, are two tiny ingredients that pack a whole lot of power when it comes to nutrition. 


Quinoa, aka the SUPER GRAIN, is hands down my favorite grain of all. It is extremely high in protein, fiber and iron, and the best part is quinoa is gluten free! Pomegranate gems are sweet little ruby red gems, that add color, crunch and a profound flavor to this salad. Pomegranate gems are not only beautiful, they are extremely high in vitamin C, vitamin B5, potassium, flavonoids and phytochemicals, and are becoming very popular for their high content of antioxidants.  


Add my refreshing citrus and herb dressing to this equation and you have yourself a super tasty, nutrition packed salad, that you can enjoy as a stand alone dish or to accompany your favorite barbeque meat this summer. 


RUBY CITRUS QUINOA SALAD
INGREDIENTS
1 1/2 cups    Quinoa
6 cups          Water
1 medium     Cucumber, diced small
1/2                Red Onion, finely chopped
1                   Pomegranate, gems only
DRESSING
1                   Orange, zest and juice
2                   Lemons, zest and juice
1/4 cup         Red Wine Vinegar
1 cup            Fresh Herbs, finely chopped (I like Parsley, Coriander and Mint)
2 cloves        Garlic, finely minced
1/2 tsp          Curry Powder
1/2 cup         EVOO
                     Salt and Pepper to taste


METHOD
1 ~ Rinse quinoa well until running water. Place in saucepan with 6 cups of water and bring to a boil and then reduce to a simmer. Cook quinoa until translucent, drain and cool.
2 ~ In a large bowl whisk together all the ingredients in the dressing. Add the cucumber, red onion, pomegranate gems and quinoa and toss to combine. Check for seasoning and adjust salt and pepper to desired taste. Top with a little extra of the fresh herbs and enjoy!


HAPPY COOKING FOODIES!