Quinoa and Vegetable Salad

Recently I hosted a luncheon and not knowing if anyone had any diet restrictions, I made a variety of dishes for everyone to enjoy, including a gluten-free quinoa salad with vegetables. The rich soft nutty flavor of the quinoa combined with the vegetables had everything needed to complete a hearty and healthy meal: protein, carbohydrates, and healthy fats. Quinoa and Vegetable Salad is easy to prepare and ready in no time. This dish is delicious, impressive, light yet filling and was a success at the luncheon.

                                                  Quinoa and Vegetable Salad
                                                                 adapted from
                                                        The Gluten-free Vegan

Ingredients

1/2 cup chopped walnuts
1 cup chopped carrots
2 green onions,  chopped fine
1 small yellow bell peppers,  chopped
1 cup quinoa,  cooked and cooled
1 cup, sliced green beans
1/2 cup cooked mushrooms
Juice of 1 lemon
3 tablespoons canola oil
1/2 teaspoon fresh tarragon
1/2 teaspoon sea salt
Freshly ground pepper

Directions

Place the walnuts, all chopped vegetables, and the mushrooms in a large mixing bowl. Add the cooked quinoa and toss. In a small bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, oil, tarragon, salt, and pepper.  Toss together with the quinoa mixture and adjust seasonings to taste. Chill prior to serving.

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