Tuesday, May 7, 2024

Favorite Quinoa Salad

So I'm looking for some meals to get me through the end of the school year for B man, and he LOVED this!!!  It is delicious -- we added some feta cheese when we had it for dinner.  YUMMY!!!

INGREDIENTS

  • 1 cup uncooked quinoa, rinsed in a fine-mesh colander
  • 2 cups water
  • 1 can (15 ounces) chickpeas, rinsed and drained, or 1 ½ cups cooked chickpeas
  • 1 medium cucumber, seeded and chopped
  • 1 medium red bell pepper, chopped
  • 3/4 cup chopped red onion (from 1 small red onion)
  • 1 cup finely chopped flat-leaf parsley (from 1 large bunch)
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 1/4 cup lemon juice (from 2 to 3 lemons)
  • 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
  • 2 cloves garlic, pressed or minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

INSTRUCTIONS

  1. To cook the quinoa: Combine the rinsed quinoa and the water in a medium saucepan. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then decrease the heat to maintain a gentle simmer. Cook, uncovered, until the quinoa has absorbed all of the water, about 15 minutes, reducing heat as time goes on to maintain a gentle simmer. Remove from heat, cover, and let the quinoa rest for 5 minutes, to give it time to fluff up.
  2. In a large serving bowl, combine the chickpeas, cucumber, bell pepper, onion and parsley. Set aside.
  3. In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, lemon juice, vinegar, garlic and salt. Whisk until blended, then set aside.
  4. Once the quinoa is mostly cool, add it to the serving bowl, and drizzle the dressing on top. Toss until the mixture is thoroughly combined. Season with black pepper, to taste, and add an extra pinch of salt if necessary. For best flavor, let the salad rest for 5 to 10 minutes before serving.
  5. This salad keeps well in the refrigerator, covered, for about 4 days. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

Green Chile & Cheese Corn Dip

I was so excited for this dip for Cinco De Mayo but it was EH....it didn't have a ton of flavor and it actually kicked both Ross and I butt (literally) the next day -- too much dairy I think for the Sodahls.

Recipe adapted by Our Best Bites from Kelly White

Ingredients:

4 cans seasoned corn, drained
2 7-ounce cans green chilies
1 bunch green onions, chopped
1 cup mayonnaise (not Miracle Whip; light mayo is fine)
1 cup sour cream (not fat-free; light sour cream is fine)
2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar, pepeprjack, or Mexican blend)
Cajun/Creole seasoning (like Tony Chacheres) to taste
Jalapeño or Chipotle Tabasco sauce to taste
Optional: 6-8 slices bacon, crumbled
Optional: 1/4-1/2 cup pickled jalapeños, chopped


In a large bowl or serving dish, toss together the corn, green chilies, and chopped green onions. If desired, add crumbled bacon and pickled jalapeños. Add the mayonnaise, sour cream, and shredded cheese and stir to combine. Season to taste with Cajun seasoning (for heat and saltiness) and flavored Tabasco (for heat.) Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours. If desired, sprinkle with additional Cajun seasoning and/or crushed Fritos before serving. Serve with Fritos. Makes a lot.