Salad number 6 is not just a regular salad, but a power salad! What makes it so powerful?? First, we have some major antioxidants from the trifecta of blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries! Then, we get more antioxidants from the quinoa, in addition to fiber, protein, zinc, manganese, copper, phosphorus, folate, iron, and magnesium. It is also gluten free, anti-inflammatory, low in sugar, and aids in weight loss! We might go as far as to say quinoa has superpowers!! Lastly, the little bit of maple syrup in the dressing adds a bit of sweetness and the toasted seeds a bit of crunch. There is definitely a lot going on in this salad!
I started by cooking the quinoa. I chose tri-color quinoa, cooked it, rinsed and drained it, and allowed it to cool.
Next, I made this very interesting dressing using lime juice (fresh squeezed), rice vinegar, maple syrup, sea salt and a dash of pepper. The lime juice definitely stood out to me in the final taste of this dressing and added one more layer of diversity in the flavors in this salad. I whisked together these ingredients and added chia seeds! Yep, chia seeds! This is the first time I’ve used chia in a salad. I love chia seeds. They, too, pack a powerful punch in the healthy-food kingdom. For those of you that don’t know what chia seeds are (other than the commercials from the 1980’s for Ch-Ch-Ch-Chia Pets), they are little teeny tiny black or white seeds. There is no nutritional difference between the two colors. If you see brown seeds, they are not yet mature (childish chia?). Chia seeds are abundant with fiber and protein. They are also a good source of vitamins and minerals, such as zinc, phosphorus, and calcium. These little seeds promote digestive health, keep blood sugar stable, are good for your brain, bones, and heart, and may lower your risk for certain cancers. We might just have to call these Super Seeds!!!
Add the quinoa to the dressing and mix to coat.
I went with a mix of kale, spinach, arugula, and a variety of mixed greens for the base of this salad. After mixing my greens, I added the quinoa and the berries. Lastly, I threw on some toasted pepitas and sunflower seeds.
There are so many different flavors and textures to this salad! From tart to sweet, crunchy seeds to soft berries. I absolutely loved it!
Recipe from Forks Over Knives. And, MOST IMPORTANTLY, HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO MY AMAZING, TALENTED FATHER IN LAW!!!!!!!