Tag Archives: quinoa

June 15, 2012 · 2:47 pm

Tomato Basil Quinoa

Summer sun means juicy ripe tomatoes and fresh fragrant basil leaves. Toss them together with a simple vinaigrette, quinoa, pine nuts and a few extra greens for a tasty salad that’s easy to make and take on the go.

Click here for the recipe that inspired this combo. I used Ari’s dressing and basic proportions to piece together this salad, which served 2:

  • 2 cups cooked quinoa (leftover from the previous day)
  • 2 tomatoes chopped
  • 2 cups CSA greens
  • 1 cup basil
  • 1/4 cup pine nuts

Chopped salad leaves and basil mixed together with tomato chunks

I packed this yummy dish to bring to a yoga workshop in Philadelphia led by Alex Holmes. She’s an amazing teacher and if you are ever in the area I highly recommend taking her class. She’s a former dancer who studies under Shiva Rea. Alex teaches a flow style that’s graceful and fun. This workshop was about sequencing your own yoga classes in a creative way that makes sense. It was an awesome opportunity to collaborate with other teachers and share ideas. I taught part of the sequence last night it was a hit with my yoga students.

Happy Weekend! Any plans?

My little nephew turns nine today and he’s flying in from Florida with my brother.  M, his boys and I are bringing balloons and signs to the airport to greet them off the plane. Can’t wait to surprise him!

3 Comments

Filed under Dining in

Tagged as , , ,

April 23, 2012 · 4:07 pm

5 Reasons to Love Lunch

As if you really needed a reason to look forward to lunch, but I wanted to share why I love bringing healthy homemade food to the breakroom table.

5 Reasons packing your own lunch rocks:

  1. Something yummy to look forward to all morning
  2. Saves time and energy when you need it the most: during the workday (easier to spend a few minutes the night before on preparation than to run out during your break to buy something)
  3. Hardly any waste, especially when you’ve got special reusable containers and a cool lunchbox/bag
  4. You’ll have tons of energy from nutritious wholesome food
  5. It’s a conversation starter

Today’s veggie-licious lunch

Just this afternoon someone asked me what was in the bowl. They had never heard of quinoa, so I was in my glory as I described how easy it is to make and all the yummy things you can do with it (like make breakfast in a jiffy).

Here’s a list of today’s lunch mix-up:

  • 1 c. cooked quinoa
  • 1 carrot, chopped
  • 4 radishes, chopped
  • 1/2 c. canned white beans, rinsed (Eden brand)
  • 3 Tbsp. avocado
  • 2 Tbsp. dressing
  • sprinkle of fresh basil and parsley
  • pepper

Dressing: (estimated amounts)

  • 1 large garlic clove, minced
  • 2 tsp. Dijon mustard
  • 3 Tbsp. flax oil
  • 3 Tbsp. apple cider vinegar

*Shake all ingredients in a jar, store in the fridge. Pour a little on the salad in the morning. Save the rest in the fridge for another day.

As per a reader suggestion (Thanks Jennifer), I shook the whole thing up at lunch and let the avocado get all over everything so every bite was avocado-licious. Yummm!

What do you pack for lunch? Do you have any delicious salad dressing recipes? Please share!

4 Comments

Filed under Dining in, Lovely Lists

Tagged as , , ,

April 13, 2012 · 8:23 am

Sweet Quinoa

I’m always raving about quinoa (like here, here & here) because it’s exceptionally nutritious, quick to make and easy to toss in salads and wraps. Yesterday it was brought to a whole new level when I mixed in the sweet stuff.

Warm and ready for toppings

Sliced bananas & prunes

My favorite almond milk

What I added the bowl:

  • 2 Tbsp. almond milk
  • scant Tbsp. peanut butter
  • 1/2 banana
  • 2 prunes
  • unsweetened shredded coconut
  • drizzle of honey (local and oh so yummy)
  • a few crumbled walnuts

What would you put in the bowl?

2 Comments

Filed under Dining in

Tagged as ,

September 29, 2011 · 8:59 am

Chipotle Quinoa

Quinoa is super healthy and can be used in a variety of ways. I can’t remember where I read this trick, but it makes for a fast and flavorful meal.

Add one packet of black bean dip mix to quinoa and water

Bring to a boil and then simmer (Cook following package directions)

Allow time to cool

Add chopped cilantro, bell pepper and tomato

Throw in anything else that looks good:

Fresh lime juice and Jersey corn

Enjoy at room temperature or chill for later.

Or if you’re me… taste it and realize the quinoa should have cooked a few minutes longer. Oops. In that case put the mixture back in the pan and add veggie broth or water. Simmer a little longer until quinoa is cooked all the way. Top with extra chopped tomato and cilantro.

A perfect packed lunch… just bring a breath mint with you!

Do you have any tricks for spicing up a bland recipe?

I’m a huge fan of lime juice and fresh herbs. I also like hot sauce and cayenne pepper.

2 Comments

Filed under Dining in

Tagged as ,