Quinoa Confetti Salad

Posted by Elise Mitchell, BS, RYT, Health and Wellness Coordinator at Entrada on November 21, 2017

Serves 10

The purpose of this recipe is to get creative! Change it up according to your preferences and how adventurous you are feeling. The veggies included here are a guideline and HIGHLY recommended for their diverse and nutrient-rich content. Otherwise, go wild! Change up ratios, ingredients, portions – the sky is the limit!

2 cups uncooked quinoa
1 tbsp. sesame oil
2 cucumber
1 red bell pepper (any color will suffice)
3-5 carrots
½ to 1 full jicama
½ head purple cabbage
3-5 stalks celery
2 cups dried cranberries
2 cans rinsed and drained azuki or black beans
3 avocado
3 lemons
3-5 limes
Salt and pepper
Balsamic vinegar
Other options:
tomatoes
red or spring onion
zucchini

1. Rinse quinoa well.
2. Bring 4 cups water to a boil. Add quinoa, ¼ tsp. salt, and oil. Stir. Continue to cook until quinoa is fully cooked (approx. 20min). Set aside to cool.
3. Chop all veggies (except avocado) into a small dice.

Dressing
4. Mash avocado and add the juice of lemons and limes.
5. Whisk together and add salt and pepper to taste. Set aside.
6. Add veggies, cranberries, and quinoa together in a large mixing bowl.
7. Drizzle mixture with some balsamic vinegar (1 to 2 tbsp.) and mix well.
8. Salt and pepper to taste
9. Serve and garnish with avocado dressing

Nutrition Fun Facts

Quinoa Confetti Salad:This blues-chasing recipe is all about using your imagination and not getting too hung up on the details. It’s colorful, tastes amazing and so nutrient dense!

Quinoa:Quinoa is one of the most protein-rich foods we can eat. It is a complete protein containing all nine essential amino acids. Quinoa is high in Riboflavin (B2). B2 improves energy metabolism within brain and muscle cells and is known to help create proper energy production in cells.

The Veggies: Avocado is full of phytonutrients ranging from vit C to lutein, phytosterols and omega-3 fatty acids which means this is a potent anti-inflammatory food! Jicama provides an excellent source of fiber. Its natural sweetness comes from an inert, insoluble carbohydrate so it can be a sweet treat without compromising blood sugar or caloric intake! Purple cabbage is rich in vit C and potassium which helps support heart muscle and water balance in the body. Onions contain chromium, which assists in regulating blood sugar. Cucumber is an excellent source of silica, which is known to help promotes joint health by strengthening the connective tissues.

Beans:The high quantity of both protein and fiber in black beans help to move food through the stomach to the large intestine at a healthier pace. This supports the ideal balance of chemicals and populations of microorganisms required for a healthy digestive system. Considering that black beans contain at least 8 different flavonoids with enormous antioxidant potential, and their high content of phytochemicals, it's hardly surprising that studies have connected black bean consumption with reduced risk of certain cancers.

Confetti Fun Fact: The use of rice or grain as a symbol of fertility dates back to ancient times, and was common in pagan wedding ceremonies. The tradition of throwing colored leaves and flowers, along with rice, at weddings and celebrations was widespread in the Victorian era.

** These statements are only meant to provide anecdotal information about these ingredients**