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.
Enjoy!
Have a good, safe Labor Day weekend!
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?
Wow Great looking recipe! Definitely on the list for next weekend!
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!!!
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
healthy and nutritious..simply amazing and easy to make..:)
I made this salad for lunch recently, it’s delicious!
Glad you liked it!
Made it for dinner tonight with the added chicken. Thanks for a sharing!! It was FANTASTIC!!
Thanks Monica! Looks tasty:)
I love quinoa salads! mm
Wow, this looks really good! I an always looking for a new recipe for quinoa. Thanks for posting!
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!
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.
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!
Sounds yummy. I will have to try. Thanks for sharing!
Yum!!!!
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.
That looks delicious! I’ll definitely give it a go. Yum!
Delish!
I love fruit dressings! I will definitely have to make that soon 🙂
This is perfect! I’m going to a picnic tomorrow and was trying to think of something to bring.
Ooh I like fruit in salads. Looks good!