Quinoa Salad

​‘Tis the season for picnics, cook-outs, pot lucks, and poolside parties! Woohoo!!
I LOVE all the opportunities for good times with friends and family that the warm weather brings! What I don’t love is the opportunities for unhealthy binges that sometimes come with the parties and gatherings. As a solution, I always try to bring something fresh and healthy to share, and try to make sure it’s flavorful enough for everyone to enjoy. This quinoa spring salad is a new favorite for the season, and I’ve also kept it stocked in my fridge recently for a quick pre-made meal or snack.
Your ingredients are simple:
1 32oz carton of chicken broth (check your ingredients for artifical flavors and preservatives. I like Nature’s Promise organic, personally).
2 1/2 – 3 cups of quinoa
2-3 tbs of toasted sesame oil (has to be toasted to bring the flavor)
2 tsp of salt
1 cucumber
2 tomatoes
1 bell pepper
1/2cup chopped cilantro


To begin, combine chicken broth, sesame oil, and salt in a saucepan and bring to a boil. Add quinoa, and cook until done (usually 25-30 mins).
Drain any excess liquid, and set quinoa aside to cool.
Chop cucumber, tomato, bell pepper and cilantro into small pieces.
(You can also be creative here and add any veggies you like!)


Add all chopped veggies to cooled quinoa, and stir to combine!


And you’re all set! A rainbow of color, flavor, and nutrients! I prefer this salad served cold, especially if it’s hot outside, but it can be good warmed as well.
Enjoy!