A simple quinoa salad gets kicked up with the addition of different olive oils and balsamics. Serving it in endive makes for an easy appetizer presentation, or toss it with wilted greens for a simple dinner side dish.

By Laurie Sadowski


Serves: 10 as an appetizer; 4 as a side


Ingredients

  • 1 cup uncooked quinoa
  • 2 cups water
  • Fine sea or Himalayan salt
  • Freshly ground black pepper
  • Endive, ends trimmed and leaves separated (for serving)
  • Ingredients from “Twist” below

Directions

Rinse quinoa under cool water.

Place quinoa, water, and a sprinkle of salt in a medium saucepan.

Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 15 minutes.

Remove from heat and let stand, covered, for 5 minutes.

Remove lid, fluff with a fork, and transfer to a bowl to cool.

Once cooled, add ingredients from one of the twists below and mix well.

Adjust salt and pepper to taste.

Serve in endive leaves.


Twists

Twist #1: Bright and Fresh


Twist #2: Mediterranean–Inspired