Quinoa Wonder bowl in Apple Balsamic Vinaigrette

We welcomed the greatest blessing of our life on Nov 18, 2014 – the birth of our daughter Ruhaani – and in the blink of an eye our entire life was changed for the better. I am full time mom, enjoying each moment, break from work, relishing our little wonders Rehaan and Ruhaani, my long cherished hobby of healthy cooking. As I nurse her, I want to make sure both of us get the complete meal.
Now sharing with you our “ONE FAMILY” favorite – healthy, veggie-filled complete salad meal.
Quinoa,Orzo, Couscous in apple Balsamic Vinaigrette

Ingredients:

FOR THE Apple balsamic Vinaigrette Dressing:

    • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
    • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
    • ¼ chopped apple
    • 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
    • 1/2 teaspoon pure maple syrup/agave nectar/honey
    • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
    • 3 fresh garlic clove, minced
    • 1 teaspoon Fresh rosemary if you don’t have use dried herbs
    • 1/4 teaspoon fine grain sea salt
    • Orange zest
    • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Blend everything together and your apple balsamic Vinaigrette is ready. You can skip apple cider or any other ingredient you don’t have.

FOR THE SALAD:

Cooking the grains
• Take Quinoa, Orzo, coucous blend grains or any grain of your choice
• Fill large pot with water and bring to a boil
• Plunge 1 cup of grains into the boiling water
• Cook for 10 minutes or until desired texture is achieved
• Separate the grains gently with fork during cooking to prevent clumping( you can drizzle 2-3 drops of oil to prevent clumping)
• Remove from heat and drain grain in a large colander over sink under cold water

TIP: You can boil quinoa in a lot of water. (You know it’s done when the little cute tails are visible.) Or, combine 1 cup quinoa with 2 cups water and bring to a boil, then simmer, covered, over low heat until tender, about 15 to 20 minutes.

Salad Veggies

    • 1 cup Brocoli florets
    • 1 pear, thinly sliced and chopped
    • 1/2 celery
    • 1 cup juliennes carrots
    • ½ cupFresh Fennel
    • Colored cabbage
    • Colored peppers
    • Fresh green peas
    • Strawberries
    • orange
    • Cucumbers
    • Red onions (optional)
    • 1-2 teaspoons flax seeds, chia seeds, cranberries

You can add, update, delete, modify your veggies as per the taste- My Data warehouse background chases me. Ha ha

Directions:
  1. In a big bowl, toss the grains and veggies with the dressing until everything is coated nicely. Add the toppings (as much as you want )
  2. Let the dressing marinate for a half hour or so as grain will absorb it evenly.
  3. Sprinkle flax, chia, and decorate with strawberry and oranges.

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