Sunshine Quinoa Salad Bowl

I don’t remember the last time I actually wrote a meal plan for a client with a sandwich suggestion for lunch. Why? Time and time again I hear people tell me they are completely bored with their lunch and looking for something different instead of eating a sandwich day after day.

Why do we get so stuck in sandwich rut? Likely because it’s easy, we don’t have to think about it and it doesn’t take much effort to slap together two pieces of bread with something inside. However, I’m here to help you break out of your sandwich rut and enter the world of delicious and nutritious quinoa.

Many recipes feature quinoa because not only is it packed with nutrients, but it’s very easy to make — it takes only 12-15 minutes and cooks just like rice (1 part quinoa, 2 parts water). The only limitation to quinoa is your creativity. There are so many ways you can make quinoa dishes, it will satisfy all your tastebuds, from sweet to savoury.

I have written about the nutritional benefits of quinoa many times, so for today’s post I’m going to give you some general quinoa-eating tips and then share this bright and tasty quinoa bowl.

You will be pleasantly surprised at just how easy this recipe is to make, especially if you have leftover quinoa from a previous meal. I have a sneaking suspicion this recipe will get you out of your sandwich rut and you might never look back (or complain about being bored with lunch again!).

This recipe is jam-packed with fibre, protein, vitamins (including A, C, K and B-complex), antioxidants and a mega-dose of deliciousness.

Ingredients:

1 cup cooked quinoa
3 carrots chopped
1 ripe avocado, cubed
1 tomato, chopped
1 small red onion, finely chopped
2 large handfuls of any leafy green (ie. spinach, kale or arugula)
2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil (evoo)
Sea salt and pepper to taste

Method:

Cook quinoa ahead of time and use the leftovers. Not sure how to cook it? Instructions are here. Combine all the ingredients together in a large bowl. Mix until combined, add evoo, sea salt, pepper and enjoy!

Serves two.

Joy McCarthy, Registered Holistic Nutritionist and Health Coach of Joyous Health, loves to inspire others to eat well, live well and be happy.

Joy has clients from all over the world and consults via phone and Skype. Contact Joy today and take the first step to achieving joyous health. REASONS TO HIRE A HOLISTIC NUTRITIONIST.