Warm Quinoa Salad with Edamame & Basil

I have recently been trying to eat healthier foods and after researching different recipes I found a grain called quinoa. Quinoa is a super food from South America and it is packed with protein and fiber. It is quick to cook, gluten-free, and whole grain. Quinoa takes on the flavor of what it is cooked with {so don't eat a bowl of quinoa, it would't taste of anything}. I am going to share with you my delicious dinner that only took 30 minutes to prepare!

Warm Quinoa Salad with Edamame & Basil

Ingredients

-1 cup of quinoa

-2 cups of vegetable broth

-2 cups of frozen shelled edamame {also called

-1 tablespoon of freshly grated lemon zest

-2 tablespoons of lemon juice

-2 tablespoons of extra-virgin olive oil

-2 tablespoons of chopped fresh basil

-1/2 cup of drained and diced jared roasted red peppers

-1/4 cup of chopped walnuts

Directions

1. Toast the quinoa in a dry skillet {stir it often} until it begins to crackle {about 5 minutes}. Rinse the toasted quinoa thoroughly.

    

 {toasting quinoa gives it a slightly nutty taste}

2. Bring the vegetable broth to boil in another pan. Add the quinoa and return to boil. Cover and reduce heat to a simmer and cook for about 8 minutes. 

3. Remove the lid {without disturbing the quinoa} and add the edamame. Cover and continue to simmer until the edamame is cooked {7 to 8 minutes}. Drain any excess water {I doubt there will be any water!}

4. In a small bowl, mix together the lemon zest, juice, oil basil and peppers. Add to the quinoa and mix. 

  

5. Add walnuts to the top and serve!

This should serve about 4 people {1 1/2 cup serving} if it is the main dish. I, however, made my quinoa salad as a side and served it with balsamic steamed chicken.

{balsamic steamed chicken}

Here are some nutrition facts about the meal you just made...

Calories 404, Total Fat 18 g, Saturated Fat 1 g, Monounsaturated Fat 6 g, Sodium 645mg, Carbohydrate 46 g, Fier 16 g, Protein 17 g, Potassium 319 mg. Daily Values: Vitamin A 20%, Vitamin C 20%, Iron 25%. {Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet}

Hope you enjoy this meal as much as my family and I did! It is so quick and easy to make and it is absolutely delicious!