Quinoa and Arugula Salad with Lemon & Garlic

By Cynthia Lair

Quinoa, a unique whole grain, was the staple food of the Incas. It is rich in calcium and iron, and has 10.5 grams of protein per cup. I find myself getting very hungry for this salad.

Salad

1 cup dry quinoa

pinch sea salt

1 3/4 cups water

1/2 bunch arugula

1/2 cup carrots, chopped

1/3 cup parsley, minced

1/4 cup sunflower seeds

Dressing

2-3 cloves garlic, minced

1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice

2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

2 tablespoons tamari or shoyu

Rinse quinoa well with warm water and drain. (Quinoa has a natural coating of saponin, the bitter taste of which repels insects and birds. Rinsing with warm water removes the saponin.) Place rinsed quinoa, salt, and water in a pot. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to low, cover, and let simmer 15-20 minutes, until all the water is absorbed. Fluff into large salad bowl and allow to cool.

Prepare vegetables and dressing. Combine garlic, lemon juice, oil, and tamari or shoyu; pour over quinoa and toss well. Wash and spin-dry arugula leaves and chop into bite-size pieces or thin strips. Add arugula, carrots, seeds, and parsley to quinoa. Toss gently. Serve at room temperature or chilled.

Makes 4 to 6 servings
Preparation time: 15–20 minutes
For Babies 6 Months & Older: Reserve some plain cooked quinoa. Puree quinoa with water or breastmilk.