Spicy Quinoa Salad! Another Delicious Recipe from Lupus Chick

This post was written by Lupus Chick staff writer Maria Mongiardo.

Quinoa, pronounced “keen-wah” (not “kwin-oh-a”), is a type of grain that contains incredibly healthy supplements for you. Quinoa is gluten free, rich in protein, fiber, and comes in different varieties such as white, black, and red. 

White is the most common quinoa and is available in most stores. Red quinoa holds its shape better than white quinoa. Black quinoa is sweeter than white and red quinoa. 

Quinoa is also packed with iron and magnesium. Lacking these essential nutrients in your body will have an effect on your brain functions, energy levels, and muscle function.

This type of ingredient is incredibly versatile and can be used as a substitute for that oatmeal you want for breakfast. Quinoa can be mixed with dried fruit, cinnamon, milk, maple syrup, and honey. Also, the grain can make an excellent side dish. 

Quinoa, if used as a side dish, can be mixed with butter or oil, salt and pepper or other seasonings. You can also substitute quinoa for rice or baking grain. Nutritional breads and muffins are another unique option if used for baking. 

This recipe of quinoa salad has a rather spicy kick to it. The seasonings for the dressing contains soy sauce, sesame oil, ginger, black pepper, and chives.

Lupus Chick’s Spicy Quinoa Salad Recipe

This quinoa salad is a colorful and delicious option to have as a side dish with your lunch or dinner. All vegetables below can be substituted (it is of course your salad so you can decide what goes in your dish). An example sauce is also provided to include with your salad.

Make sure before using quinoa you wash the grain thoroughly. Quinoa may sometimes be coated with toxic chemical called saponin. Saponin is used in detergent for washing clothes.

What you will need:

• 1-2 cups of white quinoa
• 2 cups of water
• ¼ teaspoon of salt
• 1 cup of chopped red cabbage
• ¼ cup of red onion chopped
• 1 cup shelled and cooked edamame
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped
• 1 cup of shredded carrots
• 1 cup of diced cucumber

For the dressing:

• ¼ cup lite soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon of sesame oil
• ¼ cup of rice vinegar
• 2 tablespoons of chopped chives
• 1 tablespoon of sesame seeds
• ¼ teaspoon of grated ginger
• A pinch of black pepper

Directions:

Add water, quinoa, and salt to a medium saucepan and bring to a boil. Boil for five minutes. Turn the heat to low and simmer for about fifteen minutes or until all the water is absorbed. 

Place the vegetables you want in your salad into a separate bowl. The example vegetables are listed above.

In another (smaller) bowl, make your dressing. Whisk together the soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, chives, sesame seeds, ginger, and black pepper.

When that is complete, mix together the bowls of quinoa, vegetables, and dressing together. And viola – Quinoa salad!

If you are looking for this to be completely gluten free do not add the soy sauce to your salad – Braggs Liquid Aminos is a great gluten free option for soy sauce. Enjoy!