Quinoa Salad with Dried Fruit and Nuts

This is an unusual and tasty high-protein grain salad. Quinoa is a grain that has almost no flavor, but the spices add zest. It's well worth trying, I make it often since discovering quinoa at my health food store.

• Preparation Time: 20 mins
• Cooking Time: 20 mins
• Total Time: 40 mins
• Calories: 221 Calories

Ingredients

• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon distilled white vinegar
• ½ cup raisins
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• ¾ cup chopped pecans
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• ¾ cup chopped celery
• 2 tablespoons sesame oil
• 1 bunch green onions, chopped
• 1 pinch cayenne pepper
• ⅓ cup chopped fresh cilantro
• 3 ½ cups water
• 1 ½ cups quinoa

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

Bring the quinoa, salt, and water to a boil in a saucepan. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer until the quinoa is tender, 20 to 25 minutes. Once done, scrape into a large bowl, and allow to cool for 20 minutes. Stir in the green onions, celery, raisins, cayenne pepper, vegetable oil, vinegar, lemon juice, and sesame oil. Allow to stand at room temperature for 1 hour to allow the flavors to blend. Stir in the cilantro and pecans before serving.