Author Notes
Quinoa, a grain originally from Peru, is an amazingly healthy super food; and at this time of year—with corn, tomatoes and cucumbers in abundance and at their peak—this harvest salad is my favorite way to consume it. If you can’t find them, the peppadew peppers are essential—you can even substitute a finely minced red bell pepper--- but they do add a certain something and extra boost of flavor. The salad keeps for several days in the fridge—though tastes best at room temperature--- so make extra and enjoy all week.
—Gail Monaghan
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Ingredients
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1 cup
quinoa
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1 1/2 cups
cherry or grape tomatoes, quartered
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1
kirby or small cucumber peeled (if not organic), seeded, and cut into small dice
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1/3 cup
crumbled feta
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2
ears of corn, blanched and cut off cob…or cut the kernels off the cob and microwave for 30 seconds or so
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1/4 cup
olive oil, enough to moisten and flavor
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juice and finely grated zest of half a lemon or more zest
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1/4 cup
finely minced red onion
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5
sliced peppadew peppers with 2 tablespoon of their juice
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1/2 cup
or more chopped Italian parsley
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1/2 cup
or more chopped cilantro
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sea salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
Directions
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COOK THE QUINOA: Toast the quinoa over medium heat in a medium saucepan for five minutes, stirring. This is step is optional but does bring out the nutty flavor of the grain. Add 2 cups of water and bring to a boil. Cover and reduce to a simmer.
Cook until the grains have become translucent and begun to split apart, about 10 minutes. Cool completely and set aside.
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In a large salad bowl mix the lemon juice and zest and olive oil with all the ingredients except the quinoa and the cheese.
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Toss in the cooled quinoa and then the cheese.
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Taste and adjust seasonings….you may need pepper, salt, oil, and/or lemon juice.
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This salad keeps for several days covered and refrigerated and is best if let to sit at least an hour before serving.
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