Quinoa with a Balsamic Rosemary Dijon Sauce

Published on April 25, 2016 | By |

This is one of the very first healthy recipes I created. I continually return to it, and for good reason. It’s relatively simple to prepare. I can switch up the veggies based on what is in season and what I have on hand. And it is a reliable crowd-pleaser when I bring it to family gatherings, pot lucks and backyard BBQ’s – which I do often.

For a vegetarian version, substitute chickpeas, beans or walnuts and crumbled cheese for the ground turkey. For a pescatarian version, sub shrimp. Honestly, its the sauce that makes this dish – you can use it on other grain, vegetable or salad dishes.

Ingredients

1 cup uncooked quinoa
2 cups water
½ to 1 pound ground turkey or chicken
½ cup + 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
¼ cup balsamic vinegar
1 bunch asparagus, trimmed and cut into 1" pieces
1 yellow, orange or red bell pepper, chopped
1 teaspoon dijon mustard
1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, minced (or 1 teaspoon dried)
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon sea salt
1 bunch scallions, diced

Instructions

1. In a fine mesh strainer under running water, thoroughly rinse quinoa.
2. In a small saucepan, bring 2 cups water and a pinch of sea salt to a boil . Stir in quinoa.
3. Lower heat to a simmer and cook, covered, for 15-20 minutes or until all water is absorbed.
4. While quinoa is cooking, wash and chop asparagus, peppers, scallions and rosemary.
5. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil over medium heat in a skillet, add asparagus and peppers, salt and pepper to taste and cook just long enough to seal with flavor (3-4 minutes); set aside in a large bowl.
6. In same skillet, cook ground turkey or chicken; drain juice & discard. Add ground meat to large bowl with the veggies.
7. While turkey is cooking, whisk together 1/2 cup olive oil, vinegar, mustard, rosemary, salt and pepper in a small bowl.
8. When quinoa is finished cooking, fluff with fork & add to bowl of veggies and meat.
9. Add scallions and dressing to the mixture, toss together and serve warm, room temperature or cold.