Monday, January 2, 2012

Miso Dressed Quinoa Salad (Vegan, GF, and Low Fat!)

Can life be any better!  Everyone can eat this, it tastes AMAZING, and it's Healthy too!!
Complexity Level:  Easy
Miso Dressed Quinoa Salad
What You Need:
2 cups Cooked Quinoa (about 1 cup raw)
1 tbsp Miso Paste (I use Shrio -- it's bonito free)
1 tbsp Rice Vinegar
1 tbsp Sesame Seeds
1 tsp Black Vinegar*
3 Green Onions, chopped
1/4 cup Dried Currants
1/4 cup Dried Craisins
4 Clementines, peeled

To start, if you haven't already, prepare the quinoa.  I cook this like rice, 1 cup Quinoa, 2 cups Water, 1 tsp Salt.  Bring to boil, stir, cover, simmer.  Let this simmer 15-20 minutes.  Turn off heat, stir, cover, walk away.  I let this sit 5 minutes then drain and rinse.

Miso and Vinegar whisked together (above)
Ok, so now we have 2 cups cooked quinoa.  Set aside and lets start on the miso dressing.  In a small bowl whisk together the miso paste, rice vinegar, and black vinegar.  Next, sprinkle a top the sesame seeds.  Set aside.

Black Vinegar has a unique, floral, scent and taste.  It's worth looking for to have.
Your  local Asian Markets should be able to help you find it!
Place the clementines, dried craisins, dired currants (or raisins work too), onions, and quinoa into a large bowl, and toss in the miso dressing.

Cuties, Green Onions, Currants, and Craisins make this Sweet and Crunchy!
I hope you enjoy!  It's time for all our New Years Resolutions to make more $$ and get into shape, so what better way than a Bargain Bites Healthy Salad!?

Enjoy ;)  I sure did... and guiltlessly too!
You can add nuts if you want!  That would make this a complete feast!

7 comments:

  1. I love foods that are naturally vegan. BE cautious with your miso purchases -- many are seasoned with BONITO which is dried fish flakes. Here's to all of us having a healthy and rewarding 2012!

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  2. What a great way to use miso! :D

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  3. Thanks Tiffany ;) I am so obsessed with Miso Soup, but realized there are so many more options.... and so the experiments began!

    Thanks for stopping by!!!!

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  4. Oh, my! This looks absolutely stunning! I am new to quinoa, but I just love it! This recipe is terrific!

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  5. Thanks Ann! I ate this for 3 straight days and kept wanting more. WHat a simple, healthy, and "fruitful" dish ;) Have a great day, thanks for stopping by!!!

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  6. Thanks Peggy ;) So I think it's stating to be obvious I'm taking on a healthy wave of cooking for 2012 -- not that I never cook healthy, but I've decided to share more of my recipes that I customize for myself! This one was fabulous and a great salad to pack for work! Thanks so much for stopping by and leaving a note for me ;) I hope you get a chance to make this-- it's super yummy!!

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