If you struggle to eat more quinoa, this salad will change it for you! Quinoa is a nourishing gluten-free grain rich in amino acids, vitamins, and minerals. It is one of the best substitutes for rice because of its light, fluffy texture. Quinoa also supports heart health and has hypoglycemic effects, which help lower blood sugar.
Quinoa in this salad is complemented with various green veggies, legumes, nuts and seeds, adding a lot of texture. Because of such a variety of nourishing ingredients, it can be consumed independently as it has a lot of satiating protein and healthy fats, leaving you full and satisfied.
During my ovulatory phase of the menstrual cycle, I always eat lighter meals; this type of salad is a perfect way to nourish my body
Also, did you know that daily consumption of leafy greens is associated with slower age-cognitive decline? A team of nutritional epidemiologists at Chicago’s Rush University Medical Center estimated that people who consume about 1.3 servings of leafy green vegetables daily have brains about 11 years younger than those who consume fewer servings of leafy green vegetables. (PMID: 29263222)
These findings establish an association — not necessarily causation — between daily greens and a sharp mind. Still, there is, in fact, convincing evidence that at least one salad a day help you keep your brain young!
To make this salad, you’ll need white quinoa, lettuce, fresh mint, dill, green peas, edamame, roasted almonds and pumpkin seeds. All these ingredients are usually accessible and easy to prepare. A simple herby dressing will add that extra flavour kick, combining elements. You’ll never skip buying quinoa ever again!
All the ingredients in this salad are considered beauty foods, helping us fight oxidative stress and preventing skin damage, chronic diseases and rapid ageing. So, eat a big salad like that daily to reduce your health risks and live longer.
Green Beauty Quinoa Salad
Ingredients
Salad:
- 1 1/2 cup white quinoa cooked
- 1 cup green peas
- 1/2 cup edamame cooked
- 1 bunch lettuce chopped
- 1/4 cup almonds chopped
- 2 tbsp pumpkin seeds toasted
- 1 bunch mint finely chopped
- 1 bunch dill finely chopped
- 1 handful raisins (or cranberries)
Dressing:
- 2 tbsp olive oil extra virgin
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp honey
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp salt and pepper
Instructions
- To a large bowl, add cooked quinoa followed by the rest of the ingredients.
- In a small glass jar, add olive oil, mustard, honey, lemon juice, salt and pepper. Shake the jar to combine the ingredients.
- Pour the dressing over the salad and mix everything together. Serve immediately or store in the fridge for up to two days.
