Superfood Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette

As soon as I saw this recipe on Pinterest I knew I had to make it. Then I saw on WayWay's blog that she made it with raving reviews, so I knew it was gonna be fabulous. This is a quick and easy weeknight meal filled with so many healthy foods. Even the hubs who snubbed it because there was quinoa in it, absolutely loved it. He ate two bowls and then took the rest for lunch the next day. I promise you are going to love this dish. It is filled with so many flavors that mesh together seamlessly. "Try it , You Might Like it." For those of you familiar with Yo Gabba Gabba you know what I am talking about- that song haunts me. Bon Appetit!

(This is the picture from Pinterest, a little prettier than mine)


Superfood Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette

Ingredients:

1/2 cup dry quinoa

1/3 cup red onion, chopped

1 orange, peeled and segments chopped

1 avocado, chopped

1 cup canned black beans, rinsed and drained

1 cup pomegranate arils (about 1 pomegranate worth)

1 cup frozen corn, thawed

1/3 cup cilantro, chopped

salt & pepper

For the Lemon Vinaigrette:

2 lemons, juiced (need 1/4 cup juice)

2 garlic cloves, microplaned or finely minced

dash of sweetener (agave nectar, stevia or white sugar)

salt & pepper

6 Tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

Directions:

1. Cook quinoa according to package directions. Set aside to cool.

2. For the Lemon Vinaigrette: combine all ingredients in a jar with a tight fitting lid, and shake to combine. Or, add lemon juice, garlic, sweetener, salt and pepper into a small bowl and whisk in oil.

3. Combine cooled quinoa with red onion, orange segments, avocado, beans, pomegranate arils, corn, cilantro, salt and pepper. Pour Lemon Vinaigrette over the salad and stir to combine. Serve cold or at room temperature.

** I didn't use the pomegranate seeds and also didn't use any sweetener in my dressing. I added sauteed mushrooms per WayWay's recommendation. We marinated the shrimp in olive oil, salt and pepper, and lots of Siracha hot sauce, also WayWay's recommendation. It really gave the shrimp amazing flavor- I highly recommend you marinate them the same way.) **
You can view the original Recipe and print it HERE