Calibrate Recipe

HERBY QUINOA SALAD WITH FETA

Gluten-free, Vegetarian, Halal, Kosher, Metabolic Jumpstart

Active: 10 minutes
Total: 25 minutes
Serves 4 (heaping ½ cup per person)
Yellow-Green (Yellow during the Metabolic Jumpstart)

This simple salad stars one of our favorite intact whole grains: quinoa. The gluten-free grain cooks up as quickly as rice, but is higher in both fiber and protein (and is also considered a complete source of plant-based protein, containing all nine essential amino acids). Pair it with any number of fresh herbs: We used basil, mint, and parsley, but feel free to throw in any you have on hand, or even a sliced scallion. The vinaigrette couldn’t be easier and adds a nice touch of citrus. This salad keeps up to 3 days in the refrigerator, though if you plan to make it ahead of time, add the herbs just before serving.

Ingredients:

  • ½ cup dry quinoa (white, red, or mixed), rinsed
  • Juice of ½ large lime (about 2 tablespoons)
  • 1 teaspoon extra-virgin olive oil
  • Freshly ground black pepper
  • ½ cup fresh basil leaves, roughly chopped
  • ½ cup fresh mint leaves, roughly chopped
  • ¼ cup fresh parsley leaves, roughly chopped
  • 2 ounces feta cheese, crumbled

Directions:

  1. Add the quinoa and 1 cup water to a medium pot and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to a simmer, cover, and let cook until all the water is absorbed, about 10 minutes. Transfer the quinoa to a medium bowl and set aside to cool, at least 10 minutes.
  2. Meanwhile, whisk together lime juice, olive oil, and ¼ teaspoon pepper in a small bowl.
  3. Add the basil, mint, parsley, and feta to the cooled quinoa. Drizzle the vinaigrette over top and toss gently to combine.


Test Kitchen Tip:
Quinoa comes in three colors: white, red, and black. Their macronutrient profiles are nearly identical, but they differ in texture and taste. White quinoa is light, fluffy, and has the mildest flavor of the three. Both red and black are crunchier and nuttier tasting, though red is more widely available. Tri-color is sold as a blend of all three colors.