Well I’d say it’s about time for a new recipe post.  I apologize for the delay, but things are getting busier around here which is all anyone can hope for with a new business right??

So anywho, I’ll just jump right in to it.  I gave this recipe a try yesterday and I’m looking forward to the leftovers for lunch today!  If you know that quinoa just isn’t your thing this could be tasty with orzo pasta as a substitute. Orzo is pasta that looks like rice, you’ll find it in the pasta isle at the grocery store.  A dead camera battery kept me from getting a photo of this one…sorry.

ITALIAN QUINOA SALAD

-1 cup quinoa (rinse it and then cook it with 2 cups of water till the grain ring appears)

-2 – 3 cups diced tomatoes (use as many tomatoes as you would like flavor/consistency wise…I like Romas because they are firmer)

-1 can Great Northern beans, drained and rinsed

-2 cups spinach leaves, stemmed and finely chopped

– ~1 cup fresh basil leaves, finely chopped

-1/4 cup of shredded parmesan cheese, finely chopped (optional)

Dressing:

-2 Tbsp balsamic vinegar

-1 Tbsp of extra virgin olive oil

-Black pepper to taste

-3 or 4 garlic cloves (depending on how large they are), minced

-Zest and juice of one lemon

Prepare the quinoa and set aside to cool.  Prepare dressing and toss with cooled quinoa, tomatoes, beans, spinach, basil, and parmesan cheese.

Enjoy this protein packed, yummy salad!