Quinoa Shrimp Salad

I enjoyed the last quinoa dish (Quinoa Burrito Bowls) so much, that I just had to try another one. This one is somewhat similar to the last, but it definitely has a different kick. Nothin' like healthy food that actually tastes good!

Quinoa Shrimp Salad
1 cup quinoa
2 cubes chicken bouillon

1 bag frozen baby shrimp (12 oz.)
1/2 cup butter, melted
Juice of 1 lemon
Salt & pepper

1/2 red onion, diced
1 can corn, drained
1 can black beans, warmed
2 oranges, peeled & chopped
1 bunch cilantro, chopped

Lemon Vinaigrette 
Juice of 2 lemons
6 tbsp. olive oil
2 cloves garlic
pinch of stevia, or other sweetener
Salt & pepper

In a medium saucepan, combine the quinoa, chicken bouillon, and 2 cups of water. Bring to a boil, then turn down to low and simmer, covered, 15-20 minutes, stirring periodically. Remove from heat.

While the quinoa is cooking, begin the shrimp. In a small bowl, mix together the frozen shrimp, melted butter, and lemon juice. Cover a baking sheet with foil, pour shrimp mixture on top, and salt & pepper. Broil for 8-10 minutes, or until well done.

To make the vinaigrette, combine the ingredients in a container with a tight-fitting lid, and shake well.

Instead of sugar, sweeten the dressing with a calorie-free
sweetener, such as Truvia. 

In a medium mixing bowl, combine the shrimp, quinoa, and the rest of the salad ingredients. Pour the vinaigrette over the top & mix (you may not use it all). This salad can be enjoyed warm or cold. Yum!

This recipe was modified from the version found at Iowa Girl Eats.

Quinoa Burrito Bowls

So... I've been hearing all this hype about "quinoa." After finally learning how to say it (keen-wah), I decided I better get on this bandwagon and learn to cook it. I went to buy some at Wal-Mart, and the cashier was asking me all these questions about it. I felt like kind of like an idiot when I didn't even really know what it was, so here are some quick fun facts about quinoa before we start:

• It is a species of goosefoot, which is a grain-like crop primarily grown for its edible seeds.
• It is classified as a "chenopod," which makes it closely related to species such as beets, spinach, and tumbleweeds.
• Nutritional value: high protein content (14%), and it is a complete protein (meaning it contains all nine of the amino acids necessary for our dietary needs). It is also a good source of dietary fiber, phosphorus, magnesium, iron, and calcium. Source

So, pretty much, quinoa is an amazing superfood. I feel good about that. And, turns out, it tastes pretty darn good.

Quinoa Burrito Bowls
1 cup quinoa
1 cube tomato bouillon with chicken flavor (you may find it in the store as "caldo de tomate")

Cook the quinoa as directed on the package, but add the bouillon to the water as the quinoa is boiling. This will give it an amazing flavor, similar to Mexican rice.Make sure to stir the quinoa as it is cooking, so it doesn't burn.

Toppings (serve these Hawaiian-haystack style):
Shredded chicken (as usual, I prefer rotisserie chicken - brown in a medium saucepan with a bit of olive oil)
Black beans (heat in a medium saucepan)
Lime juice
Corn
Cheddar or Jack Cheese
Shredded Lettuce
Greek yogurt
Diced tomatoes
Cilantro
Sliced avocados or guacamole
Hot sauce

I loaded all of this on my bowl, and it was AMAZING. I didn't even realize I was eating something totally healthy, which is the way I like it! This recipe yields about 4 servings.

This recipe was altered from the recipe found at The Shiksa In the Kitchen.