You may have heard us mention how much we love quinoa…just once or twice.
This high protein seed is a great addition to any weight loss meal plan.
Most other side dishes or grains like rice, pasta and cous cous are grain based and high in carbohydrates – but not protein.
Quinoa has a high protein content, as well as a healthy serving of iron and fibre, all essential components for healthy weight loss.
PLUS all that protein will help keep you full for longer, making it the ideal energy source for busy mums who want to lose baby weight but not feel hungry.
This colourful dish is packed full of healthy salad vegetables and fresh herbs and is a really tasty side dish for grilled meats or seafood.
It’s also delicious stuffed into a wrap with some chicken for a nutritious lunch the next day.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/4 cups water
- Juice of half a lemon
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- Freshly ground black pepper
- 1 large cucumber, cut into chunks
- 1 punnet of cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 a bunch of parsley
- 1/2 a bunch of mint
- 2 shallots, thinly sliced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Method:
- Place the quinoa, salt, and water in a large saucepan and bring to the boil over high heat.
- Reduce heat to medium-low, pop the lid on and simmer for around 10 minutes or until the quinoa is cooked.
- Remove from the heat and let it stand, still covered, for 5 minutes before fluffing it up with a fork.
- In a separate bowl, whisk the lemon juice and garlic together before gradually adding in the olive oil. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
- Spread the quinoa out on a baking sheet to cool.
- Transfer to a large bowl and then mix in 1/4 cup dressing.
- Place some plastic wrap over the quinoa and the dressing and chill in the refrigerator for at least an hour.
- Add cucumber, tomatoes, herbs, and shallots to the quinoa and toss in the rest of the dressing. Check that the seasoning is to your liking before serving.
Serves: 6. Calories per serve: 223.
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