Happy HAPPY Sunday!!Image may be NSFW.
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Wow, I don’t know about you but the weather in Tampa is the dreariest! I think I’ve mentioned before but I am quite a sun snob now that I have it all the time… When it gets taken away, I get a little lazy sad:( I know, boo hoo, it’s snowing in like half the country and I’m complaining about clouds!Image may be NSFW.
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Despite the clouds it has been quite the productive day! I usually reserve Saturday for ridiculous relaxing and Sunday is reserved for getting all the stuff done I’ve been thinking about since Monday. So today has been full of Continuing Education Credits (CEU’s)– For licensure, every 2 years RD’s have to complete 30 hours of CEU’s — It was actually enjoyable! P had to complete the same ones so we did them together! Computers side by side!! Image may be NSFW.
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Definitely made it WAY more fun!! AND I got to sit and enjoy my new tea, San Clemente Mug (from my lovely sister) and Candle from a dear friend!Image may be NSFW.
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Quite lovely actually!
So, to brighten up this otherwise DREARY Tampa day, I thought I would make this fun, delicious and super flavorful salad! Not only is this loaded with vitamins and minerals from all the fruit and vegetables but even without adding shrimp or chicken you still get great protein from the quinoa and good fats from the avocado and olive oil! I love to add even more color and nutrients by serving it on top of greens – You’ll seriously love this!!
Sidenote: I usually don’t even make the dressing – I feel like the salad is so flavorful on it’s own but you be the judge :) Image may be NSFW.
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Added bonus, it is absolutely beautiful! I am so fortunate too – I have BEAUTIFUL pictures of this salad from the photo shoot for my website! My sister-in-law is an awesome photographer and took all the shots! LOVE HER!!Image may be NSFW.
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Photography is not my strong suit – it is something I would like to work on but for now – iPhone 4s = Good enough Image may be NSFW.
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Enjoy!!! XO
Quinoa, Black Bean and Corn Superfood Salad
Adapted from Iowa Girl Eats – She is amazing BTW’s Image may be NSFW.
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Serves 4-5
1/2 cup dry quinoa
1/3 cup red onion, choppedImage may be NSFW.
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1 orange, peeled and segments chopped
1 avocado, chopped
1 cup canned black beans, rinsed and drained
1 cup fresh or frozen (thawed) corn
1/3 cup cilantro, chopped – optional
salt & pepper
Optional: Shrimp or Chicken
For the Lemon Vinaigrette – Optional:
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
2 Tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
Directions:
- Cook quinoa according to package directions. Set aside to cool.
- 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.
- Combine cooled quinoa with red onion, orange segments, avocado, beans, corn, cilantro, salt and pepper. Pour Lemon Vinaigrette over the salad and stir to combine. Serve cold or at room temperature