Quinoa Salad

Quick and easy! Quinoa with tomatoes and baby spinach, topped with grilled chicken!

Quinoa with tomatoes and baby spinach salad

Serves 4          

Fast and easy, Quinoa is an ancient grain its complete protein profile also makes it a vegetarian friendly entree.  Ready in less than 30 minutes.        

Ingredients:

1-tablespoon olive oil

1 clove garlic

1 cup Quinoa, rinsed and well drained

2 cups chicken broth, reduced sodium or water

2-cups baby spinach

2 cups cherry/grape tomatoes cut in half

Salt and pepper to taste

 Grilled chicken

1. Heat oil in medium saucepan over medium heat. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute. Add Quinoa, stirring constantly (prevents sticking) for1-2 minutes.  Add broth or water. Stir,  bring back to a boil. Reduce heat to a simmer. Cover. Cook for 15 minutes or until tender.
2. Add baby spinach and cook for one minute. Remove from heat and let stand for 5 minutes with lid on. Fluff with fork and transfer to a bowl and combine with tomatoes. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve topped with grilled chicken.  

Sauteed Spinach With Raisins and Pine Nuts

Dark green leafy vegetables are a treasure trove of vitamins, minerals, and fiber they are fabulous on the dinner table as well!

While many leafy greens are fabulous tossed in salads, sautéing them in olive oil, garlic, lemon, and herbs brings out a rich flavor. Check this version of sautéed spinach with raisins and pine nuts. Most leafy greens can be cooked this way. 

Sautéed spinach with raisins and nuts 

Serves 4         prep time: 5 minutes            cooking time: 4-5 minutes

 Raisins and nuts are frequently used in Southern Italian cooking. My husband and I had this at an Italian restaurant and I have been making it at home ever since. We prefer our version as it contains much less oil and salt. 

1- 16 oz package baby spinach, washed 

2-tablespoons olive oil

2 clove garlic

¼ cup raisins

¼ cup pine nuts or slivered almonds

Salt and pepper to taste

1. In a medium size skillet, heat oil over medium high heat. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute.  Add spinach (Pan may seem too small as raw spinach has a high volume but it cooks down a lot) and raisins. Cook for about 2 minutes until just wilted, stir frequently.  Add nuts and cook for 1-2 more minutes.  Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Serve.