I’ve been trying to accept the fact that quinoa is the “in” grain of the moment. The most recent Bon Appetit even has a whole section devoted to quinoa salads, and quinoa is constantly on my Pinterest feed, so I know the populace has caught on.
I suppose I initially resisted quinoa for the same reason I resisted tabbouleh – weird hippie food they sell at the natural foods store. But recipes like this, and my baked quinoa recipe, show how versatile this extremely healthy little food is.
Boiled until the grain pearls turn translucent and a delicate thread appears, you toss the quinoa with ripe chunks of avocado, plump golden raisins and currants, crisp scallions and a vinaigrette made of lemon, cumin, coriander, paprika and olive oil. For extra crunch, toasted chopped almonds are sprinkled on top.
I mean, wow, this was surprisingly good! And vegan … right? I made it on a week night and topped it with some leftover rotisserie chicken we happened to have in the fridge. Delicious! The creamy avocado, sweet fruit, hot bite of green onions and nutty crunch from the almonds … it’s really a winning combination. I encourage all of you to try it immediately.
Adapted from the amazing Cook Fresh magazine (best of Fine Cooking).
Quinoa and Avocado Salad with Cumin-Paprika Vinaigrette
Ingredients:
- 3 T golden raisins
- 2 T dried currants
- 1 c. quinoa, rinsed
- Kosher salt
- 1 lemon
- 3 T EVOO
- 1/4 tsp ground coriander
- 1/4 tsp ground cumin
- 1/4 tsp sweet paprika (not smoked)
- 2 medium firm-ripe avocados, pitted, peeled and cut into medium chunks (do this at the last moment so they don’t turn brown)
- 4 scallions, thinly sliced
- 3 T coarsely chopped toasted almonds
- Black pepper
In a medium bowl, soak raisins and currants in hot water for 5 minutes. Drain and set aside.
Meanwhile, in 2-quart saucepan, bring 2 c. water, quinoa and 1/2 tsp salt to boil over high heat. Cover, reduce heat to medium low and simmer until water is absorbed and quinoa is translucent and tender, 10-15 min (the germ rings will remain chewy and white, like little squiggles). Immediately fluff quinoa with a fork and turn out on baking sheet to cool to room temperature.
Zest and juice the lemon into a small bowl and whisk in olive oil, spices and 1/4 tsp salt. In a large bowl, gently mix with avocado, then toss with quinoa, fruit, scallions and almonds.
Season to taste with salt and pepper and top with extra almonds and scallions, if you have them.
See? Easy! And so surprisingly flavorful. I shall be making this one again.
Enjoy friends! xoxo
Seasoned to Taste 