Get Started
Happy National Quinoa Day! Quinoa, pronounced keen-wah, is not only a delicious and versatile grain, but it’s also packed with a variety of health benefits. One of the most impressive things about it is its protein content. It contains all 9 essential amino acids, making it a complete protein. In fact, a cup of cooked quinoa has about 8 grams of protein. This is great news for vegetarians and vegans who may struggle to get enough protein in their diets.
Quinoa is also a good source of fiber, which helps to keep you feeling full and satisfied, which is ideal for weight management and maintaining healthy digestion. Plus, it’s gluten-free, making it a great option for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivities. Another benefit of quinoa is its high mineral content, particularly in iron, magnesium, and zinc. Iron helps to transport oxygen throughout the body, while magnesium works to regulate muscle and nerve function. And zinc plays a vital role in immune function and wound healing.
Now that you know the benefits of quinoa, it's time to try it out for yourself – using one of our favorite recipes for a simple and flavorful salad…
Ingredients:
1 cup uncooked quinoa
1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
1 red bell pepper, diced
1 small red onion, diced
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
Juice of 1 lime
2 tablespoons olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
Rinse quinoa in a fine mesh strainer and drain. In a medium saucepan, bring 2 cups water to a boil. Add the quinoa, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 18 minutes. Fluff cooked quinoa with a fork and transfer to a large bowl to cool. Once cooled, add black beans, red bell pepper, red onion, and cilantro. Whisk together lime juice and olive oil. Pour the dressing over the quinoa salad and toss to combine. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
This salad is the perfect side dish for any summer barbecue or as a standalone lunch. It's a great way to use up any leftovers in the fridge, and you can also add grilled chicken or shrimp to make it a complete meal. Give this recipe a try and let us know what you think!