arhamrao293@gmail.com Whole Foods’ California Quinoa Salad with Ricotta is bright and colorful, as well as excellent, nourishing food with quinoa + fresh vegetables + fruit + ricotta. This salad can be on a plate for lunch, or a bounteous accompaniment to supper. You can find here a complete recipe to make this scrumptious salad at home! 🥗✨
Ingredients
For the Salad:
1 cup quinoa(washed and drained) 🌾
2 cups water or vegetable broth (for cooking quinoa) 💧
⅔ cup edamame(out of shells) 🌱
1/2 cup diced mango 🍑
1/2 cup chopped red bell pepper 🌶️
1/4 cup finely diced red onion 🧅
1/3 cup raisins🍇
⅓ cup slivered almonds 🌰
¼ cup fresh cilantro** (chopped) 🌿
1/2 cupp ricotta cheese 🧀
For the Dressing:
2 tablespoons olive oil 🫒
Juice of 2 limes 🍋
1 tbsp honey(or maple syrup, for a vegan option) 🍯
Salt and pepper to taste** 🧂
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Quinoa
In a medium saucepan, place the rinsed quinoa and the water (or vegetable broth). Add to a pot and bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
Bring to a boil, lower the heat to low, cover and simmer around 15 mins, until fluffy and water is absorbed. Take off heat and let cool. 🥄
Step 2: Cut the Vegetables and the Fruits
As the quinoa cooks, you can chop your veggies and fruit. Dice the mango, bell pepper and red onion.
If using frozen edamame, cook according to package directions, then drain. 🥬
Step 3: Prepare the Dressing
In a small bowl, combine olive oil, lime juice, honey, salt, and pepper, whisking until blended. Adjust seasoning to taste. 🍽️
Step 4: Toss together the salad
In a large bowl: Add cooked quinoa, edamame, mango, red bell pepper, red onion, raisins, slivered almonds.
Add the dressing to the salad and toss lightly to combine.
Then, stir in the ricotta cheese and cilantro, carefully folding them in so that the ricotta stays intact. 🌼
Step 5: Serve
Serve the salad immediately, or refrigerate for about 30 minutes to meld flavors. This salad can be served cold or at room temperature. 🍽️
Tips for Customization
– Make it Protein-Packed: Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas for a more filling main course. 🍗
– Ingredient Swap: Substitute any of the vegetables or fruits with what you prefer or what’s in season. 🥒
Make It Vegan: Skip the ricotta or substitute vegan cheese. 🌱
Nutritional Benefits
This salad, while delicious, is also loaded with nutrients:
Quinoa** is a complete protein, containing all nine essential amino acids.
Edamame,** high in fiber and protein, gives this salad some heft.
Mango and bell peppers are high in vitamins A and C, helping to maintain immune health.
Almonds add healthy fats and crunch, textural contrast. 🌟
Conclusion
Whole Foods California Quinoa Salad with Ricotta. Ideal for meal prep, picnics, or as a refreshing side dish. Make this gorgeous salad you can eat that fuels your day! 🥗💖
Please modify the ingredients and dressing to match your nudes and enjoy a taste of California in every bite! 🌈
