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"A gourmet who thinks of calories is like a tart who looks at her watch." - James Beard


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Tuesday, August 21, 2012

Curried Quinoa Mango Salad



This salad has been a staple in our house for years. My husband loves it. We generally have it as a side dish with grilled chicken or pork, but it is excellent as leftovers for lunch the next day. 


I can't believe I haven't written about this salad before!  Quinoa is so good for you.  It is a grain that's full of protein. I also like the nutty flavour and slightly crunchy texture.  It comes in red, white, and rarer varieties like black.  I like to use a combination of the red and white for a nice colour contrast.  I buy it at Bulk Barn but you can get it at any supermarket.  I also like to buy grain and lentil mixes that contain quinoa.  If you're looking for it, it's pronounced KEEN-wah.


This is another big winner from Epicurious.  You'll need 1 cup of quinoa (I was a little short so just made it with 2/3 of a cup and it still worked out fine). Plus white wine vinegar, mango chutney, curry powder, dry mustard, a fresh mango, cucumber and salad greens (spinach, arugula or spring mix is great).


You can rinse the quinoa in a fine mesh strainer.  I sometimes skip this step and don't find it makes much difference.  Add the grains to boiling water and simmer about 12 minutes, then drain and cool.


While the quinoa is cooking, make the dressing.  I like to double the recipe so there's lots of dressing, plus extra for leftovers.  


Take 2 tablespoons mango chutney (chopped up if chunky), 3 teaspoons curry powder and 1/2 a teaspoon dry mustard.


Mix in 4 tablespoons white wine vinegar and 1/2 cup olive or canola oil.  That's it!


Next, chop an English cucumber.


And some green onions.


Then chop the mango.


And add it to the cucumber and onions.


Add the quinoa.


And mix in half the dressing.


And toss to combine.


To serve, pile some salad greens on a plate. This is baby romaine but you can use spinach or any green. 


Top with the quinoa vegetable mixture.


Then drizzle with a little more dressing.

This salad can be a full meal or a hearty side dish. The slightly spicy curry and chutney with the sweet mango and fresh cucumber is a great combination.  Easy, healthy and highly recommended.

1 comment:

  1. I appreciate the PSA about how to pronounce "quin-o-ah". ;)

    ReplyDelete