Sunday, February 28, 2010

Quinoa Salad with Cucumber

Inspiration:
A search for a new rice/pasta/other salad to take for lunch, and Martha Stewart's Living.


Ingredients:
  • 2 cups water
  • 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
  • Coarse salt
  • 1 small shallot, finely chopped
  • 3 tablespoons champagne vinegar
  • 1/2 teaspoon red-pepper flakes
  • 1/4 cup plus 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1 small English cucumber, halved lengthwise and thinly sliced crosswise (1 cup)
  • 3/4 cup finely chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley

Instructions:
  1. Bring water, quinoa, and 1 teaspoon salt to a boil in a small saucepan. Reduce heat; cover, and simmer until tender and water has been absorbed, about 15 minutes. Transfer to a baking sheet, and let cool on a wire rack.
  2. Combine shallot, vinegar, and red-pepper flakes in a small bowl. Gradually whisk in oil until emulsified.
  3. Transfer quinoa to a large bowl, and stir in cucumber, parsley, and vinaigrette. Season with salt.

Notes:
I substituted white wine vinegar for the champagne vinegar and used a regular cucumber.

While this was ok, I think it would be even better with some feta or ricotta salata cheese added-- or kalamata olives or diced red bell pepper.


Liz's Rating: 7.5/10
Tim's Rating: 8/10

6 comments:

Anonymous said...

This looks really fresh and summery. I agree that feta would be really good in this. Maybe even a bit of mint or cilantro too.

10yearstogether said...

I love your suggestions for lunch items. I am going to Trader Joe's today and planned on getting a few things. I'll add quinoa and feta to my list! I still have the black beans and chicken w/rice recipe on cue as well. Thanks again L!

Anonymous said...

I love the look of this! Totally up my alley. yum!

Unknown said...

looks delicious and simple. i love quinoa but don't cook with it often enough.

Karine said...

It looks delicious! Great way to use quinoa. Thanks for sharing :)

viagra online said...

Not a fan of the quinoa, but the recipe dish looks delicious.