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Home » Recipes

Super Food Quinoa Salad

Published: May 21, 2014 · Modified: Dec 18, 2022 by Rose McAvoy · This post may contain affiliate links · 10 Comments

Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

This quinoa salad has a little bit of everything, except the kitchen sink! At first glance these ingredients might seem a bit dissonant, be assured they come together harmoniously. Pack for a picnic, present at a potluck, or nosh at your desk this nutrient packed salad works as a side dish or your meal's main event. Change the fruits and vegetables as needed.

During my time in Dublin, Ireland I frequently found myself drawn down Suffolk Street and into the wonderland that was the Avoca Store & Cafe. Setting a foot over the threshold was a glorious way to lose a few hours and gain a few pounds.

The main floor was packed with treasures and delights. In addition to piles of fluffy blankets and scarves made in the Avoca Woolen Mills, there were displays of fragrant soaps and lotions, racks of your new favorite cardigans and skirts, shelves of coffee table humor, lovely soft things that only aunties or grandmas buy for newly expected babies, and a knick-nack for every paddy-wack. For U.S. shoppers the selection is similar to Anthropology but with more variety. You have to pass through the heart of the store to reach the food (that's good marketing).

The upper level housed their bistro cafe where they were serving a menu of bright seasonal food, not because it was trendy (yet) but because that is what tastes best. I tended to gravitate to the lower level of the building, the deli and food hall (gourmet grocery). There was always a selection of colorful salads. Each salad was made from vegetables, fruits, grains, potatoes, sprinkled with toasted nuts, goat cheese, and herbs. They were as abundant in color as texture, easily a meal unto themselves. Next to the salads were rich quiches, homey soups, and a rotating selection of meat and veg. entrees.

Everything I tried in an Avoca Cafe or deli was a treat, but nearly ten years later it is the salads that I crave. A few years ago it occurred to me, with so many signature dishes there must be a cookbook. I was right but, sadly it seems the book is no longer in print. I hope to someday find a copy at a second hand shop. Even without the book I have found a few recipes. I sure do miss the sights and sounds of Dublin but at least I can have the salads!


Avoca Cafe Super Food Quinoa Salad

Hugo Arnold with Leylie Hayes
This quinoa salad has a little bit of everything, except the kitchen sink! At first glance these ingredients might seem a bit dissonant, be assured they come together harmoniously. Pack for a picnic, present at a potluck, or nosh at your desk this nutrient packed salad works as a side dish or your meal's main event. Change the fruits and vegetables as needed.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes mins
Cook Time 10 minutes mins
Total Time 30 minutes mins
Course Salad
Cuisine American
Calories 195 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup quinoa uncooked
  • 1 pounds asparagus woody ends removed & cut in 1 inch pieces
  • ½ pounds broccoli chopped into bite size pieces similar to the asparagus
  • 1 cup frozen edamame thawed
  • 4 cups kale torn into bite size pieces
  • 1 cup grape tomatoes halved
  • 1 ½ cups strawberries quartered
  • ½ cup toasted sunflower seeds no shell
  • 1 cup crumbled reduced fat feta cheese
  • 1 cup Ligh French Dressing see recipe below

Instructions
 

  • Prepare the quinoa according to the package directions, be sure not to over cook. To cool the quinoa quickly spread it on a parchment lined cookie sheet and place it in the refrigerator.
  • While the quinoa is cooking, blanch the vegetables by cooking in boiling water for about 3 minutes. Taste test for doneness. They are done when they have turned bright green and are easy to bite but still a bit crunchy. Drain the water from the vegetables through a sieve and rinse them under cold water until they are cool to the touch.
  • Assemble the salad by layering the cooled vegetables, quinoa, and remained ingredients in a large salad bowl. Gently toss to combine with 1 cup of Lighter French Dressing.
  • Refrigerate for 1 - 3 hours before serving. Leftovers will keep 1-3 days in the refrigerator.

Notes

Substitute ½ cup of uncooked quinoa for ½ cup lentils.
If desired, add or substitute toasted almonds for the sunflower seeds.
Use only fresh fruit for this salad. As the seasons change try red grapefruit segments or blueberries in place of strawberries.

Light French Dressing

Rose McAvoy
Oringially French dressing was the term applied to any salad dressing made from oil and vinegar. This wonderfully rich, all-purpose, vinaigrette with beautifully balanced sweetness and tang is named in the spirit of its orign not in reference to the more modern Americanized dressing of the same name. This salad dressing comes together quickly and easily and lasts for a week or two in the refrigerator. It is sure to become a household staple.
Adapted from "Avoca Cafe Cookbook” French Dressing, by Hugo Arnold with Leylie Hayes
Print Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes mins
Total Time 10 minutes mins
Course condiment
Servings 2 ¼ cups
Calories 114 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • ½ cup sunflower or grape seed oil
  • ½ cup olive oil
  • 1 cup red wine vinegar
  • 2-3 garlic cloves minced
  • 3 tablespoons dijon mustard
  • 2 teaspoons honey
  • Salt to taste
  • Pepper to taste

Instructions
 

  • Measure all the ingredients in to a large mixing bowl or quart sized mason jar.
  • Whisk vigorously, or seal and shake the jar, until the ingredients have blended to become all one color.
  • Refrigerate the dressing in a glass jar or bottle with a tight seal.

Notes

The ingredients will separate after some time, shake the sealed container prior to serving.

The FTC would like you to know: Bob's Red Mill has generously provided all the grain featured in the Going with the Grain series. Thank you Bob's Red Mill!

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Carolyn G

    May 22, 2014 at 4:48 pm

    I shared on Pinterest http://www.pinterest.com/pin/55872851601576151/

    Reply
  2. Chantal

    May 22, 2014 at 8:06 am

    Hi Rose,
    This is a so healthy and beautiful salad!
    Chantal

    Reply
  3. Sandy

    May 22, 2014 at 2:22 am

    I shared on Facebook

    Reply
  4. Samantha

    May 21, 2014 at 6:41 pm

    I actually am interested in the dressing recipe. I think I'm willing to try quinoa though.
    I shared this on pinterest. I'm not computer savvy enough to show you the post like commenters before me.

    Reply
  5. Melissa

    May 21, 2014 at 5:52 pm

    tweeted: https://twitter.com/justtellmewhen/status/469279649722155008

    Reply
  6. Dandi D

    May 21, 2014 at 1:27 pm

    I pinned on Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/pin/201184308328647720/

    Reply
  7. Dandi D

    May 21, 2014 at 1:26 pm

    I shared on facebook:
    https://www.facebook.com/dandi.daffyhill/posts/10202255196996419

    Reply
  8. Dandi D

    May 21, 2014 at 1:25 pm

    I shared on Google+: https://plus.google.com/u/0/105104070646384118045/posts/ZTGDUCQof6g

    Reply
  9. Dandi D

    May 21, 2014 at 1:24 pm

    I tweeted: https://twitter.com/dandidaffyhill/status/469212014582063105

    Reply
  10. Ann Marie

    May 21, 2014 at 11:10 am

    I love quinoa and I was looking for something for dinner tonight so perfect timing. I shared on Facebook!

    Reply

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