Healthy Dish For The Weak: Quinoa Rockstar Salad.

Have you ever had quinoa?

Probably not. But it is gaining in popularity lately, so it's possible. I have only had it a few times. It's extremely good for you, and that is likely why I have been hesitant to jump in and commit to adding it to my regular rotation of foods. It's a super food. And when mixed with awesome ingredients, it totally rocks. It's a rockstar food!

Quinoa is a grain that is packed with protein and an excellent source of iron, magnesium and fiber. It's one food we should all be eating more often. And it's so easy to make and mix with other ingredients. It's a great substitute for rice, and is gluten-free. This afternoon, I made myself a recipe I invented called "Quino Rockstar Salad."



Ingredients:

• 1 cup of quinoa
• 2 cups of vegetable (or chicken) stock
• 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
• 1/2 cup of frozen corn (I had it leftover in the freezer; fresh corn would have been preferred.)
• 1 yellow summer squash, chopped into 1/2 chunks
• 1/2 a small red onion, chopped
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons of chopped parsley (Though cilantro would have been tasty too.)
• 2 chicken breasts (5 ounces each)
• 2 tablespoons of soy sauce

Directions:

1. Dump the quinoa and the stock in a sauce pan. bring to a boil, then reduce to simmer. Cover the pot and cook for about 15 minutes, till all the stock is absorbed.
2. Meanwhile, grill the chicken breasts with the soy sauce dribbled on top. Once cooked through (about 8-10 minutes), set aside and let them cool. After a few minutes of cooling, you can chop them up into small chunks.
3. Next, saute the squash in the olive oil over medium-high heat for about 6 minutes. Toss in the red onion till they become very soft. then throw in the corn and the garlic. Cook for another two minutes.
4. Once everything is finished cooking, throw all the ingredients, including the parsley, into a bowl and toss.
5. Then you eat it.

Though, the recipe does make enough to feed like four or five people. I made enough for me to take to work this week. It's delicious. And so incredibly healthy.