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Qurazy for Quinoa & Quale?

Kale (not quale!) – Ā I took that joke TOO far! šŸ˜‰

I was in the mood for a Mediterranean salad the other night, and didn’t really feel like looking for recipes on-line, so I just made this one up! And oh MAN was it delicious! My husband and I gobbled this up and fought for the left-overs. (Slight exaggerations occur on this blog from time to time). Oh! And this is super easy, too! And I’m all about easy!

kale_quinoa_greek_salad

 

Here’s what you’ll need:

 

GreekĀ Quinoa Kale Salad

Makes 8 servings

  • 1 c. Quinoa (I used red and brown – for fun!)
  • 2 c. water
  • 3 c. chopped kale (I used curly leaf for this recipe)
  • *1/4 t. kosher salt (optional)
  • 1 long cucumber (or 2 regular)
  • 6-7 roma tomatoes (or whatever tomatoes you like!)
  • 1/4 C. chopped red onion
  • 2-3 T. chopped fresh parsley (or 1 T. dry)
  • *Optional add-ins: kalamata (or black olives), light feta cheese

Dressing:

  • 2 T. extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 T. red wine vinegar
  • juice from 1/2 fresh lemon
  • 1-2 cloves garlic – minced
  • 1 t. Mrs. Dash, Spike or any other all-purpose seasoning
  • salt & pepper (to taste)

Directions

Prepare quinoa according to package instructions. Set aside to cool. While the quinoa is cooking, place the chopped kale in a large bowl.Ā *Sprinkle with kosher salt.Ā IMPORTANT STEP: Massage the kale! WHAT?! Yep…I promise, it makes ALL the difference! Simply rub together, smash, toss and smashĀ for a few minutes and the texture becomes much softer and better for salads! Chop the cucumbers, tomatoes, onion and parsley. When the quinoa is cooled, transfer to a big bowl. Add kale and chopped veggies. Whisk the dressing ingredients together and pour over everything. Toss gently. Add optional mix-ins like olives and feta cheese.

Tell me that’s not delicious!

If you’re following the 21 Day FIX…one serving counts as 1 yellow, 1 green, 1 orange (olives), 1 blue (feta), 1 t. (olive oil)

If you’re NOT following the 21 Day FIX, but you’re interested in doing the 21 Day program that’s helping people lose 10 – 15 pounds in just 21 days, than you’re in luck! I’m starting a new 21 Day FIX group on Monday October 6 where you’ll learn how to incorporate foods like this, as well as daily 30 minute workouts, and get GREAT results in just 21 Days! Fill in the info below, and I’ll tell you how to get started.

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It’s ALL Greek Salad for ME!

Mediterranean Vegetarian Quinoa Salad

Let me introduce you to my lunch! Man did this hit the spot today! And I’ve got a TON leftover which will be GREAT for lunches for the rest of this week. And it will travel well, so I’ll be taking it on the go, too! šŸ™‚ PS – You don’t have to be a vegetarian to enjoy this salad! As a matter of fact,Ā feel free to add some cut up grilled chicken or whatever meat-type products you’d like!

Ingredients

  • 2 cups veggie brothmed_salad
  • 1 cup quinoa (I used red today)
  • 1/2 red onion – chopped
  • 1 sweet bell pepper – chopped
  • 2 roma tomatoes – diced
  • 1 can chickpeas – rinsed
  • 1/2 sliced black olives (kalamata would be great!)
  • 1/2 cup crumbled reduced fat feta cheese
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (or 2-3 T. dry)
  • 2 lemons – squeezed
  • 2 t. red wine vinegar
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • ground sea salt & pepper to taste

Directions

  1. Cook quinoa according to package directions (using broth instead of water). Wait until cooled to add to the rest of the ingredients.
  2. Meanwhile chop veggies and add to a large bowl with chickpeas, olives, feta and parsley.
  3. In a separate bowl, mix lemon juice, vinegar and olive oil, salt and pepper.
  4. Add the cooled quinoa to the bowl and toss gently with the dressing.

 

Serving suggestion: I put mine over a bed of chopped romaine lettuce. *It comes with its own salad dressing already, no need to add more!

Makes 8 servingsĀ 

1 serving = 179 calories, 6 grams protein, 16 grams carbs.