I don’t usually post recipes over the weekend since I know you’re probably maxin’ and relaxin’ away from the computer. But, I wanted to share this delicious, healthy recipe in case you need a dish to make for your Labor Day BBQ!
I thought this up while shopping the other day trying to find inspiration for a potluck dish. I was aiming for something light and summer-y. This is a great summer BBQ pick because it’s not mayo based so you can leave it on the table for a while – but I’m pretty sure it will disappear before that!
Quinoa Summer Salad with Orange Dressing
Ingredients:
- 2 cups quinoa
- 4 cups broth (chicken or vegetable will work)
- 1 can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 3 green onions, chopped
- 1/2 cup slivered almonds
- 1/2 cup cranberries
- optional: 2 cups chopped chicken
Dressing:
- 1/3 cup orange juice
- 1 tsp. lemon juice
- 1 Tb. olive oil
- 1 Tb. balsamic vinegar
- 1 Tb. orange zest
- salt & pepper
- 1-2Tb. honey or sugar
Directions: Cook quinoa according to package directions in broth instead of water. Fluff when done.
While quinoa is cooking prepare dressing.
Mix: Orange juice, lemon juice, olive oil, balsamic, orange zest, honey, salt & pepper. (I put 1 Tb. of chopped shallots in this batch, but it was too onion-y for some.)
Combine quinoa, beans, onions, almonds & cranberries. Toss with dressing. Season with S&P to taste.
Optional: Add chicken to make this a main dish.
Have a good, safe Labor Day weekend!
Mixwellness says
mmm! This looks so delicious. I’ll definitely have to try it out this weekend! Gotta try my best to convince myself it’s still summer haha :). Think this would work better as a lunch or dinner option?
Oli says
Wow Great looking recipe! Definitely on the list for next weekend!
Tina says
I just wanted to shared that I just made it for my lunch tomorrow and I had a mouthful of it and it taste delicious!!! Can’t wait to show off at work tomorrow!!!
Tom says
A great idea for easy lunch. I always struggle while I am on a diet to eat eat healthy at work. I always end up at the corner deli :S
alice says
healthy and nutritious..simply amazing and easy to make..:)
Rita Brooks says
I made this salad for lunch recently, it’s delicious!
runeatrepeat says
Glad you liked it!
Luv2Run says
Made it for dinner tonight with the added chicken. Thanks for a sharing!! It was FANTASTIC!!
Christopher says
Thanks Monica! Looks tasty:)
Rosalie says
I love quinoa salads! mm
Mari @ Living with Purpose says
Wow, this looks really good! I an always looking for a new recipe for quinoa. Thanks for posting!
Milly says
This recipe looks great, it’s great for an appetizer in a 3 course meal. I know on special occasions with family relatives coming over I make huge dinners and this would be a great addition to my cook book!
Sasha says
That recipe looks delicious! I’ve been looking for new salads to try out and this one seems pretty unique, so I want to try it out.
Ashley says
I totally saw the ecard wrong, which made it seem wildly inappropriate before I had a double take.
Not that I was disappointed or anything when it was less appropriate! 🙂 Happy Labor Day!
Tammy R. says
Sounds yummy. I will have to try. Thanks for sharing!
Jackie says
Yum!!!!
Annie @ my fuel and fitness diaries says
What a fun “end of the summer” salad! Im weird and dont like beans, but I think this would be super fun with chicken…or even better shrimp! Thanks for sharing something so simple and fun. Ive been in a major kick recently for cooking with citrus.
Tartanjogger @tartanjogger.wordpress.com says
That looks delicious! I’ll definitely give it a go. Yum!
Katie M says
Delish!
Liz @ The Girl on Fire Now says
I love fruit dressings! I will definitely have to make that soon 🙂
Jessica @ From the Kitchen to the Road says
This is perfect! I’m going to a picnic tomorrow and was trying to think of something to bring.
Jojo @ RunFastEatLots says
Ooh I like fruit in salads. Looks good!