Feel Good Food: Quinoa Salad and Avocado

A global superstar health food, quinoa contains all nine essential amino acids. I'm pairing it with avocado, which is high in potassium and healthy monounsaturated fats, and almonds for smokiness, balance and texture.

Recipe

Quinoa Salad, Avocado, Smoked Almonds and Treviso

Yields 4 servings

Ingredients

• 2 cups quinoa
• 3 cups water
• 1/2 red pepper, 1/4-inch dice
• 1/2 orange pepper, 1/4-inch dice
• 6 scallions, sliced
• 2 tablespoons flat leaf parsley, chopped
• 1/4 cup smoked almonds, roughly chopped
• 1/2 lemon, zest
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

Directions

1. Place quinoa and water together. Place on medium-high with a lid.
2. Allow water to be completely absorbed (around 20 minutes).
3. Remove from heat and set aside to cool.
4. Prepare all remaining ingredients.
5. When the quinoa is cool, mix together with other ingredients and check seasoning.

Assembly

• 2 avocados, sliced
• 4 heads Treviso radicchio
• 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/4 cup smoked almonds, whole

1. Place quinoa mixture on the base of the plate.
2. Top with avocado.
3. Remove outer leaves of the Treviso and separate the leaves.
4. Mix leaves with olive oil, lemon juice and salt.
5. Place dressed leaves on top of avocado.
6. Finish with a sprinkle of smoked almonds.

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Roasted Acorn Squash with Omega Seeds

Culinary Arts  Health-Supportive Culinary Arts