Citrus Quinoa Protein Salad

 

Citrus Quinoa Protein Salad

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If you are not a vegetarian or vegan then this salad is fantastic served with shrimp instead of the chickpeas.  That is my hubby’s favorite!  I also like this salad with pineapple chunks instead of or in addition to the orange slices, those add an extra sweetness to the salad that is divine!

I love this salad warm or cool as leftovers, the flavors are a little bit stronger a day or two later, because they have been able to absorb into the ingredients of the salad.  This salad is super filling and healthy too.  The first time I made this was in the warm summer months, and it was great!  It is also perfect for the cooler fall and winter months.  Since, this is such a hearty salad, loaded with fiber and protein from the plants you won’t be hungry in an hour or less like a lot of other salads.  

My hubby is not one to eat as he calls them, earthy foods.  Meaning things that taste super healthy or don’t have enough flavor.  But, he really likes this salad.  By cooking the quinoa in the carrot and orange or pineapple juice, it picks up the extra flavor and sweetness, which makes this salad unique and delicious!

Citrus Quinoa Protein Salad

  • Prep Time
    7 mins
  • Cook Time
    15 mins
  • Total Time
    22 mins

Ingredients

  • 1 cup quinoa
  • 1 1/2 cups carrot juice
  • ½ cup pineapple juice (or orange juice. Or water, but the juice adds a fantastic sweetness.)
  • 1 medium orange, sliced
  • 1 cup de-shelled edamame, cooked
  • 1 cup chickpeas beans
  • ⅓ cup sliced almonds
  • 1 tsp cilantro
  • ½ tsp garlic powder
  • ½ tsp black pepper

Directions

Bring the carrot or pineapple juice to a boil in a small to medium pot.  Rinse quinoa and then rinse chickpeas.  Peel and slice the orange.  If you are using frozen edamame, cook it before adding it to the salad.  Once juice is boiling add quinoa and cook covered for about 15 minutes, or until it is fluffy and has absorbed all the liquid.  Remove from heat.  Add in all other ingredients and stir to combine.  Makes six servings.  Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Serving Size 2 Cups

6 Servings per Recipe

Amount Per Serving
Calories 258.5
Total Fat 5.5g
  Trans Fat 0g
Total Carbohydrate 41g
  Dietary Fiber 6g
Protein 10.5g

Gluten and Dairy Free!  Vegan! 

*I always suggest using organic ingredients whenever possible.

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