Showing posts with label Recipes. Show all posts

2

What We Ate For Dinner Tonight; Mango and Quinoa Salad

Posted on Tuesday, April 12, 2011

I have made versions of this salad several times, and tonight it was so yummy I decided to share it.
Mangoes are one of my favorite fruits, and they are especially delicious this time of year.
Ever since we got married and Jason was gluten-free, (I have meaning to post more on that 'was'),  I have loved experimenting with different grains other than rice since other carbs were out of the question, and Quinoa remains my favorite.

Unfortunately I didn't take a picture of my salad, but it looked like this minus the black beans, but only because we had none available.



Mango & Quinoa Salad
1 cup Quinoa
13/4 cups Vegetable Stock
Mango, diced
Red Bell Pepper, diced
Fresh Cilantro
Cumin
Half a Lemon
Olive Oil

1. Cook Quinoa according to directions, (or google it like me)
    For best taste substitute vegetable stock in place of water.
2. While Quinoa is simmering, Prepare the mango by dicing it.  If you are anything like me cutting a mango is confusing, so go ahead and laugh,  but i watched this video on youtube and now I feel like a pro.  Dice the red bell pepper (I used about half), and chop the fresh cilantro.
3.  Once the quinoa is done cooking, fluff with a fork and mix in the mango, pepper, and cilantro.
4.  Squeeze the lemon over salad and pour a dash of olive oil in and mix as a dressing.
5.  Season with Cumin, Salt & Pepper to taste.

I love this easy summer salad, it tastes fresh and is so healthy too!




On a side note, me and Jason went to Ben & Jerry's in the Gateway to get our free cones and picked up this little guy in Urban Outfitters...

Maybe someday I can put him in a collage kinda like this?



And then we came home to the cat walking around wearing this bag on like a cape,
....
???

2

The Tastiest Salad You Will Ever Eat

Posted on Thursday, March 3, 2011

I Have been making this salad a ton lately, so I decided I must share it with you.  The flavors are so fresh and go so well! And the chicken and sourdough pieces make it more filling than a usual salad.  The recipe was found here.  You just have to try it!

  PS- why when i preview this is my font going into all caps?  Don't worry, I'M NOT SHOUTING AT YOU! 




Warm Sourdough Bread Salad with Chicken and Pine Nuts Recipe

Ingredients

For the vinaigrette
  • 1 lemon, halved
  • 2 garlic cloves, skin on
  • 4 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons white wine vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
  • Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
For the salad
  • 4 cups 1-inch chunks of crusty, rustic-style sourdough bread
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • Sea salt
  • 4 cups shredded cooked chicken
  • 2 tablespoons golden raisins
  • 2 tablespoons pine nuts, lightly toasted
  • 2 garlic cloves, smashed and roughly chopped
  • Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • 4 cups loosely packed arugula, watercress leaves, or mixed baby greens, washed and drained
  • 2 scallions, thinly sliced (white and green parts)

Directions

Start the vinaigrette
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1. Preheat the oven to 450°F (232°C). Place the lemon, cut side down, and the whole garlic cloves in an ovenproof dish and drizzle with 1 tablespoon of the olive oil. Roast the lemon and garlic until they’re soft and golden brown, about 30 minutes. Remove from the oven (but keep the oven on) and set aside until they’re cool enough to handle.
Make the salad
1. Increase the oven temperature to 475°F (245°C).
2. Toss the bread chunks with the olive oil on a baking sheet and season with salt. Scatter the chunks in a single layer and toast until the bread is golden brown and the edges are crispy, 12 to 15 minutes. Transfer to a large bowl.
3. Juice the lemon into a small bowl. Peel the garlic cloves, add to the bowl with the lemon juice, and smash them with a fork. Add the vinegar and gradually whisk in the remaining 3 tablespoons of olive oil. Stir in the parsley and season to taste with salt and pepper.
4. Add the chicken, raisins, pine nuts, and garlic to the bread and combine. Drizzle with half of the vinaigrette, season to taste with salt and pepper, and toss gently to combine.
5. Spread the salad on a rimmed baking sheet and place it in the oven for about 5 minutes, just to warm it slightly.
6. Remove the salad from the oven and return it to the bowl you tossed it in. Add the arugula and scallions, and drizzle with the remaining vinaigrette. Toss gently to combine, season with additional salt and pepper if desired, and serve warm.