Quinoa Salad with Roasted Jalapeños

 

Quinoa Salad with Roasted Jalapeños

Serves 6

This is the perfect accompaniment to a BBQ meal! Healthy whole grain quinoa combines with spicy jalapeños and sweet grapes for a tasty and light side dish. Alternately, the jalapeños can be grilled rather than roasted.

Ingredients: 

• 4 large jalapeños, seeded and roughly chopped
• 1/4 cup plus 1 teaspoon olive oil
• Salt to taste
• 1 cup quinoa, rinsed well
• 1/4 cup lime juice
• 2 green onions, thinly sliced
• 1/4 cup crumbled queso fresco or feta cheese
• 1/4 cup pumpkin seeds, toasted
• 1/2 cup seedless red grapes, halved
• 1/4 cup chopped cilantro 

Method: 

Preheat oven to 400°F. Toss jalapeños with 1 teaspoon of the oil and salt, transfer to a baking sheet and roast until soft and slightly blackened, about 20 minutes. Set aside to let cool.

Meanwhile, put quinoa and 2 cups water into a medium pot and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover and simmer until water is absorbed and quinoa is tender, about 20 minutes. Transfer to a large bowl and set aside to let cool.

Whisk together lime juice and salt. Drizzle in remaining ¼ cup oil while continuing to whisk constantly. Pour dressing over quinoa then add jalapeños, green onions, queso fresco, pumpkin seeds, grapes and cilantro and toss gently to combine.

Nutritional Info: 

Per Serving:240 calories (120 from fat), 13g total fat, 2.5g saturated fat, 5mg cholesterol, 210mg sodium, 24g carbohydrate (3g dietary fiber, 3g sugar), 6g protein

Special Diets: 

• Gluten Free
• Vegetarian
• Sugar Conscious
• Wheat Free