The first time I tried Quinoa was on a work trip to New York City. We were at the beautiful new Hearst building having lunch with Country Living Magazine colleagues in their amazing cafeteria. I tried a bit on top of a green salad and was instantly hooked. At the time, Quinoa was fairly new to the U.S. and was hard to find. But now, it's available in most supermarkets. Quinoa is pronounced: keen-wa and is a seed that seems much like a grain and is really high in protein.
Asian Quinoa Salad
1 small piece fresh ginger (about 1 1/4 inches)
4 cups vegetable or chicken broth (1 32 ounce carton)
2 cups quinoa
1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons vegetable or canola oil
2 tablespoons rice wine vinegar
4 teaspoons peanut butter
2 teaspoons soy sauce
2 teaspoons honey
1 teaspoon sesame oil
1-2 cloves garlic, minced
1/3 cup diced red bell pepper (1/4" dice)
1/3 cup diced yellow bell pepper (1/4" dice)
1/3 cup sliced green onions
Roasted, unsalted peanuts. chopped, for serving (optional)
Cook the quinoa: Peel the ginger and grate enough to equal 1 teaspoon; cover and set aside. Then place the remaining whole piece ginger in a medium-size saucepan. Add the broth and quinoa, and cook according to the quinoa package directions. Discard the ginger and transfer the quinoa to a medium-size salad bowl; set aside to cool.
Make the dressing and salad: Meanwhile, whisk together the oil, vinegar, peanut butter, soy sauce, honey, sesame oil, garlic, and reserved grated ginger in a small bowl until combined. Add the peppers and green onions to the quinoa in the salad bowl; pour the dressing over the top and toss to thoroughly combine. If you wish, sprinkle some peanuts over the salad just before serving.
Images by John Granen
This recipe and many more can be found in my first book, The Farm Chicks in the Kitchen.
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Yum! I love quinoa, but I've never prepared it with an Asian flair. I'm definitely trying this!
Posted by: Melissa @ A Time for Everything | January 07, 2013 at 09:54 AM
Sounds so good, Serena! This is my year to get healthy and fit once and for all. I'll definitely be trying this recipe. Thanks!
Posted by: Erin | January 07, 2013 at 10:20 AM
Looks delicious! Thank you for sharing this healthy recipe, Serena!
Posted by: Duni | January 07, 2013 at 10:48 AM
I am a quinoa fan - and have added your recipe to my own list!
Posted by: Tracy | January 08, 2013 at 06:59 AM
This is one of my all-time favorite recipes! I have been making it since I purchased your first book and have always gotten great response when we take it to family functions. It is great for my gluten-free kids, I just make sure to use gluten free soy sauce. Thank you!!!
Posted by: Carie | January 08, 2013 at 08:27 AM
Pinning this in my "healthy eating board" Thanks for sharing.
Quick Question....can tickets be bought ahead of time for the Farm Chick show? I'm going! Happy Day
Posted by: teresa | January 08, 2013 at 03:58 PM
Looks delicious!
Posted by: sylvia fountaine | January 08, 2013 at 08:41 PM
Oh my goodness, those are the CUTEST plates!!! What pattern are they? :)
Posted by: Linda | January 15, 2013 at 08:32 AM
I LOVE those plates!! Can you please tell me what pattern they are and where I can get them? I must have them! Thank you so much!
Posted by: Lindsay | January 27, 2013 at 11:15 AM
Hi Lindsay,
The plates are from Target, about six or seven years ago.
Take care,
Serena
Posted by: Serena | January 28, 2013 at 12:59 AM
Linda, the plates are from Target, about six or seven years ago.
Posted by: Serena | January 28, 2013 at 12:59 AM