What's for Dinner, Barbara-jo? Karin Smith's Market Vegetable and Quinoa Salad

 Karin Smith's Market Vegetable and Quinoa Salad

At this time of year I'm taking full advantage of the bounty of fresh fruits and vegetables at the Farmers' Market and am trying to incorporate them into dinner each night. Cooking is pretty simple. I'll make something on the grill, a mixed green salad that with a simple vinaigrette and usually some kind of grain/vegetable mix. Crunchy, flavourful salads have helped to convert other members of my family to the grain and vegetable way of eating. I often cook up a batch of brown rice, freekeh, or quinoa to have on hand to make for fast prep at the end of the day. ~Karin

 Ingredients:

* 1/2 - 3/4 pound green beans, steamed & cooled

* 1/2 red onion, chopped

* 1 hot pepper: jalapeno,serrano or Thai, finely chopped

* mixed herbs, chopped

* lime juice

* olive oil

* honey

* salt and pepper

* 1 cup cooked grains (I used quinoa, but feel free to use other grains like brown rice or freekeh.)

* 1/4 toasted nuts (almonds, walnuts, whatever you have), chopped

 Method:

In a medium bowl, combine the green beans, red onion, and pepper.

I find that a lime-based dressing works well with the hot pepper. In a small bowl, mix together a couple tablespoons of lime juice with some olive oil and honey to your taste. Toss the dressing with the vegetables.

Add the cooked grains and nuts and toss again.

 

Karin Smith is a realtor in Vancouver. Her website is smithandhamill.com.