Quinoa is a versatile salad base and very easy to prepare. It’s high in protein and fibre with many health benefits. It can be served for just about any type of meal! If you like quinoa, then this “Rainbow” colour quinoa salad with black garlic is definitely for you!
How to cook Quinoa?
Quinoa is a type of seed that can be cooked in many different ways.
But before cooking most researchers recommended rinsing the Quinoa to remove the coating – saponin. You can simply place the dry quinoa in a fine mesh strainer and rinse until the water runs clear. That’s it!
Move on to the cooking – I use a stove which is easier for me, but you can use Microwave, rice cooker or pressure cooker if you prefer.
You can follow the instruction if you want to cook on a stove:
1. Add 1 cup of rinsed quinoa and 2 cups of water(or veggie stock) to a saucepan.
2. Bring the mixture to a boil, and then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 10 to 15 minutes. ( You can cover it with a lip or not)
3. When the liquid has been absorbed, turn off the heat and let it cool down.
That’s it! After it’s done use a fork to fluff the cooked quinoa then you can start to make the salad!
You can prepare the quinoa in advance for the salad and other recipes as it can keep in the fridge for a couple of days.
Quinoa salad Ingredients needed:
These are what we need to make this rainbow colour black garlic quinoa salad:
1. Chickpeas: Add the chickpeas to make the salad more earthly and satisfying. You can simply add canned chickpeas to it.
2. Capsicum: You can use the yellow or red one you like! This not only makes the salad more colourful but also adds crunch and sweetness to it.
3. Red onion: The perfect one to add a bit of spice flavour! You can also add some spring onion for more flavour.
4. Cherry tomato: This is the best one for any type of salad, isn’t it?
5. Carrot: Don’t forget the add this veggie loaded with vitamin A and antioxidants.
6. Green veggies: We use cucumber and kale this time. You can use some baby spinach or parsley if you prefer!
7. Corn: For the yellow colour and more sweetness!
8. Black garlic cloves: Absolutely the best one to add the fruity and earthly taste to go with quinoa salad and any salads! It’s loaded with antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties that are amazing for your body. (Related blog: 10 Surprising Health Benefits of Black Garlic )
What dressing goes with quinoa salad – Black Garlic Vinaigrette
Speaking of the dressing, I love the quinoa salad to mix with Black Garlic Vinaigrette (balsamic dressing) which is made very easy and can be kept in the fridge for up to weeks. Otherwise, you can simply mix it with some apple cider vinegar, lemon and honey combination, or any dressing you prefer.
If you’ve ever made a vinaigrette, you know simple it is (1:3) 1 part balsamic vinegar : 3 parts olive oil.
I love adding some Black Garlic Puree to enhance the flavour.
Simply add all ingredients with a bit of salt and pepper and mix well. That it!
Black Garlic Vinaigrette Dressing + Quinoa Salad (Chickpeas Salad)
Ingredients
- 1 cups Quinoa
- 2 cups Water or veggie stock
- 1/2 can Chickpeas
- 1/3 cup Capsicum, chopped
- 1/4 cup Red onion, chopped
- 1/4 cup Cucumber, chopped
- 1/4 cup Carrots, chopped
- 1 bunch Kale, chopped
- 1/4 cup Corn
- 1/3 cup Cherry tomato
- 4-5 cloves Black Garlic cloves, chopped
Vinaigrette Dressing
- 1 tbsp Balsamic vinegar
- 3 tbsp Olive oil
- 1 tsp Black garlic puree
- 1/4 tsp Salt & Pepper
Instructions
- Cook quinoa: Rinse and drain quinoa. Add quinoa and water(or veggie stock) to a saucepan and bring the water to a boil. Reduce to a simmer and cook for 15 minutes. Fluff with a fork and let cool for 5-10 minutes.
- Toss: In a medium bowl, stir together all the ingrendients.
- Whisk dressing: In a small bowl whisk together balsamic vinegar, olive oil, black garlic puree, salt and pepper.
- Add dressing: Gently stir in dressing. Enjoy 🙂
→ More Black Garlic Recipes: Check out our Youtube Channel.
