I feel like I've learned so much through the food blog world. I've learned about ingredients and techniques that I didn't even know existed until now. Quinoa is one of those things. When I first heard about it, I didn't even know how to say it, I thought it was pronounced Ki-no-ah. Yeah...no. Turns out you pronounce it keen-wah. Well, however you want to say it, you should definitely try it. It's made of small grains that you boil and turn into just about whatever you want. They are small, soft and remind me of a cross between tapioca and wheat grains. It's also crazy healthy for you, and fun to eat!
I made this salad simply by pulling ingredients out of the frigde that I thought would be good together. It turned out to be so good, and I was also able to use my Newman's Own Balsamic Dressing that I got a few months ago. This salad was so clean tasting and refreshing with a lot of great flavors. I especially loved the contrast of the salty capers with the sweet mandarine oranges. This would be great for a BBQ or any get-together.
Quinoa Salad with Mandarine Oranges and Capers
Ingredients
2 cups of prepared quinoa (use directions on the box)
1 medium can of Mandarine Oranges
2 tablespoons capers
1/4 cup parsley, chopped
3 tablespoons red onion, or shallot, chopped
1/4 cup Monterey Jack or Feta cheese, chopped into small pieces
2-3 teaspoons Newman's Own Balsamic Dressing, enough to moisten entire salad.
Directions
Toss all ingredients in a large bowl. Keep chilled.
I served this alongside a BLT, one of my favorites! To kick it up a knotch, try this spread out...
It's a sandwich spread that is full of peppercorns, dijon and lots of fantastic flavor. You could use it on sandwiches, burgers, breakfast sammies, you name it. I'm not being endorsed in any way to promote this stuff, I just really happen to like it!
I love quinoa! It is one of my favorite "weird" food discoveries (although it's not so weird in the blogger world...just to my parents). This salad looks excellent! So healthy and delicious.
ReplyDeleteI love quinoa too - only I discovered I don't like it cold - only hot, like in lasagnas and stir frys.
ReplyDeleteJust about 90% of what I eat today I never even touched five years ago!
Teresa, this is a really nice recipe. I'm really fond of quinoa and should make it more often. I stopped by to say hello but started to read the posts below. I stayed far longer than I planned. I'll be back often to see what you've been cookin'. I hope you are having a wonderful day. Blessings...Mary
ReplyDeleteI love quinoa. I love the added mandarine oranges and capers.
ReplyDeleteDown here, they pronounce it the way you did!
ReplyDeleteQuinoa is one of the things I've been needing and wanting to try for a while. I've been seeing it around quite a bit, too.
ReplyDeleteWe enjoy quinoa. I don't make it often enough. This is a must try.
ReplyDeletethanks for the post... i have missed the boat on this, but will give it a try when I get a chance
ReplyDeleteK I for sure have never heard of that. But your pic makes my mouth water. I think I'm going to try making that. (first I'll have to find out where to even find quinoa :)
ReplyDeleteI am new to quinoa this year too. I need to get more creative with it. This sounds delicious.
ReplyDeleteI've tried quinoa before too, but never really grew used to it...it's just so...tiny! And it has a fishy taste. I wish I liked it though, bc its nutritional stats is stellar!
ReplyDeleteI need to eat quinoa more often, and this sounds like a great way to eat it!
ReplyDeleteSeriously! Blog world rocks- I've learned about so many great products & foods I never would have found out about without it. The quinoa salad looks super tasty. <3 mandarine oranges. Hope you're having a nice week thus far
ReplyDeleteI agree with you about being introduced to new foods through blogging. I've only had quinoa, an Ellie Krieger breakfast recipe, but I would love to try it as a salad like this recipe. Looks great!
ReplyDeleteI haven't had quinoa yet! But I see it everywhere. The salad looks great! I really need to try it.
ReplyDeleteI've never cooked anything with quinoa, but it sure is all over the food blogs! Had no idea how to pronounce it.
ReplyDeleteI was about to say I thought it looked like tapioca when I read you agreed! This looks like a great recipe and I definitely will look for the Boar's Head product.
I love experimenting with new grains so this one will be next on my list!
Wow! You came up with that?!?! Sounds amazing! Mmmm! and that sauce with peppercorns & dijon?! I need some of that, I bet it tastes soooo good!
ReplyDeleteyum! looks delicious!!
ReplyDeleteThis looks so yum!
ReplyDeleteStephen
http://snowconecooks.blogspot.com/
I just bought some quinoa for the first time and was looking for a good way to try it out. This looks perfect!
ReplyDeleteI KNOW! How amazing is le cruset? I don't even own one piece. There is a le cruset store in downtown charleston... I ow and ah as I walk by it ;)
ReplyDeleteI still haven't tried Quinoa but I'm gonna go get some this weekend. This salad looks amazing!
ReplyDeleteI've never had quinoa but this does look good!
ReplyDeleteGrins. I said it the way you used to also. Keen-Wah. Well, now I'll have to remember that and not embarrass myself in enlightened company.
ReplyDeleteI have not yet tried quinoa in a salad. Thanks for the opportunity to try it.
ReplyDeleteI love quinoa and that looks like the perfect mix!
ReplyDelete