Spinach Quinoa Salad Cherries and Almonds
- Preparing Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Served Person: 6
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 cup red onion diced
- 2 cups fresh spinach leaves chopped into slivers or thin strips
- 1 cup dried cherries
- 1 1/2 cup cucumber diced (approximately 1 small cucumber skin on or peeled, seeded and cut into 1/2 inch slices, then quartered)
- 1/4 cup - 1/2 cup sliced almonds (according to tastes)
- 1/4 cup plain yogurt (i used almond milk yogurt)
- 3 tablespoons. olive oil
- 1 1/2 cups cooked quinoa already cooked according to package (approximately a heaping 1/3 cup dry quinoa, becomes 1 1/2 cup cooked)
- 1 15- oz. can chickpeas drained and well rinsed
- Carbohydrate 18.3712708336155 g
- Cholesterol 0 mg
- Fat 1.18013333333333 g
- Fiber 2.49049995119439 g
- Protein 3.23570833334576 g
- Saturated Fat 0.01593 g
- Serving Size 1 1 -8 serving (116g)
- Sodium 13.559583333366 mg
- Sugar 15.8807708824211 g
- Trans Fat 1.12133333333333 g
- Calories 93 calories
In a small saucepan, place a heaping ? cup quinoa and ¾ cup water. Bring to a boil. Once boiling, turn heat to simmer, cover and let simmer for 15 minutes or until water is absorbed. Once water is absorbed, turn off heat and let cool briefly. Fluff with fork before using.Note: a heaping ? cup uncooked quinoa will yield about 1½ cups cooked quinoa).Note: We tend to cook 1 cup quinoa in 2 cups water and just use the extra throughout the week.Over medium-high heat, saute almonds in a dry saucepan until lightly toasted, stirring frequently so as to not burn any, about 5 minutes. Set aside to coolIn a small bowl, whisk together yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice and garlic.In large bowl, gently mix chickpeas and a spoonful or two of dressing to coat.Add remaining ingredients -- almonds, spinach, cherries, cucumber and quinoa. Toss together to combine. Add remaining dressing and toss to combine..Season to taste with salt and pepper.Tastes great immediately or allow to settle and flavors to combine. Tastes great day 2 as well.
