Blueberry, Strawberry & Quinoa Salad with Lemon Basil Dressing

Category,
Yields1 Serving
Quinoa: 
 ½ cup Quinoa
 1 cup water
Fruits:
 ½ cup fresh blueberries
 ½ cup diced strawberries
 ¼ cup dried cranberries (optional)
Vegetables:
 ½ cup cucumbers
 3 carrots shaved
 3 fresh mint leaves chopped finely (optional)
 ½ cup cubed jicama (optional)
 Dressing:
 1 ½ tbsp extra virgin olive oil
 2 tbsp lemon juice
 ¼ tsp lemon zest
 10 Basil leaves, chopped finely
 Salt and pepper
1

Place the quinoa and water in a medium skillet and bring to a boil. Then reduce heat, and simmer covered for about 15 minutes or till the quinoa is cooked. Remove the lid, and fluff the quinoa with a fork. Let it cool to room temperature.

2

While the quinoa is cooking, combine the fruits in a bowl.

3

Whisk together all the dressing ingredients, except the chopped basil. Chop and add the basil to the dressing just before serving. If you add it earlier, it will go black.

4

Add half the dressing to the quinoa and mix gently.

5

Assemble the salad just before serving – toss the quinoa, fruits and vegetables together along with the rest of the dressing. Enjoy!

Ingredients

Quinoa: 
 ½ cup Quinoa
 1 cup water
Fruits:
 ½ cup fresh blueberries
 ½ cup diced strawberries
 ¼ cup dried cranberries (optional)
Vegetables:
 ½ cup cucumbers
 3 carrots shaved
 3 fresh mint leaves chopped finely (optional)
 ½ cup cubed jicama (optional)
 Dressing:
 1 ½ tbsp extra virgin olive oil
 2 tbsp lemon juice
 ¼ tsp lemon zest
 10 Basil leaves, chopped finely
 Salt and pepper

Directions

1

Place the quinoa and water in a medium skillet and bring to a boil. Then reduce heat, and simmer covered for about 15 minutes or till the quinoa is cooked. Remove the lid, and fluff the quinoa with a fork. Let it cool to room temperature.

2

While the quinoa is cooking, combine the fruits in a bowl.

3

Whisk together all the dressing ingredients, except the chopped basil. Chop and add the basil to the dressing just before serving. If you add it earlier, it will go black.

4

Add half the dressing to the quinoa and mix gently.

5

Assemble the salad just before serving – toss the quinoa, fruits and vegetables together along with the rest of the dressing. Enjoy!

Blueberry, Strawberry & Quinoa Salad with Lemon Basil Dressing