Super Food Quinoa Salad

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!

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!