Quinoa & Cucumber salad may not sound like a winter dish but in a new year of possibility and hope, it becomes one! You and I get a new start with fresh vegetables, curtesy of our local grocer, making this normally summertime salad possible.
I am thankful for the provision. And also, for my daughters, who inspire me when they share their latest recipe finds. My oldest called me today raving about her shredded brussels sprout salad with cashews.
It sounded delicious, but I don’t have fresh sprouts…just cucumber and onion. Hmm. That sounds doable for a simple salad. But wait, intentional eating is all about balance, I’ll need protein and fiber. Since I love quinoa and its fiber and protein content, it adds heartiness to create this quinoa and cucumber salad.
I’m thinking of tabouleh-type salad but without peppers…adding spicy onion, sweet beets, and cashews. Yum! The Brazil nuts are also on hand so a few of them will go in too. Who says meal prep for one person isn’t possible?
It is! However, if onion is too strong for your taste buds, you might want to substitute a shallot. Don’t forget allium plants provide cancer fighting properties and immune boosting power in the winter flu season (1)
Quinoa & Cucumber Salad
Ingredients
- 3/4 Cup Precooked Quinoa
- 1 Tbsp Minced Onion or Shallot
- 2 Tbsp Finely Chopped Beets
- 1/2 Cup Cucumber Chopped
- 1/2 Cup Celery Chopped
- 1 Tbsp Chopped Cashews
- 1 Tbsp Chopped Brazil Nuts
- 1/2 Tsp. Apple Cider Vinegar
- 1 Tsp. Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- 1/2 Tsp. Onion Powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Combine the precooked quinoa in a small mixing bowl and add the onion powder. Mix in the chopped cucumber, onion or shallots, beets, celery, and chopped nuts. Season to your taste with salt and pepper. Pour the apple cider vinegar and olive oil onto the vegetable mixture and stir well. This may be enough to serve two people as a side dish or as your main course for lunch. Enjoy!
Nutrition
Benefits of Quinoa & Cucumber Salad
One serving has a whopping 15 grams of protein, 29 grams of good fat, and 8 grams of fiber, so it’s delicious and filling! To top it off, did you know one serving (the amount in this recipe) of Brazil nuts has 537mcg of Selenium?
Selenium is good trace mineral necessary for balancing hormones, maintaining brain function, removing toxins from the body, and helping protect the heart (2). The generous amount of fiber in this dish balances out the carbs without a rise in blood sugar, while keeping a belly full for hours. You and I never have to worry about feeling deprived when eating from God’s Garden! His thoughtful care and love are displayed in everything He made for us.
Devotion
For what can be known about God is plain to them, because God has shown it to them. For his invisible attributes, namely his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made.”
Romans 1: 19-20 ESV
High-tech microscopes are now revealing over 8,000 beneficial properties of plants! The miraculous wonder of God’s plan continues to unfold with time. It brings to light his power and divine nature. I pray you are actively taking part in his plan today spiritually and physically.
If you need help don’t hesitate to contact me for a consult! I am here for you! In the meantime, start with this Quinoa & Cucumber Salad and be blessed!
References:
Marefati N, Ghorani V, Shakeri F, Boskabady M, Kianian F, Rezaee R, Boskabady MH. A review of anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and immunomodulatory effects of Allium cepa and its main constituents. Pharm Biol. 2021 Dec;59(1):287-302. doi: 10.1080/13880209.2021.1874028. PMID: 33645419; PMCID: PMC7919894.
Selenium – Health Professional Fact Sheet (nih.gov)
