Moroccan Style Quinoa Salad

I am having a love affair with Quinoa lately. It is so simple and so tasty. I like that it can handle so many different kinds of flavours and textures. 

This is a Moroccan inspired dish, I like how it is spicy but sweet at the same time. This quick dish is delish! Make it for you lunch or for your dinner or for a snack really. Good stuff.

Here is what you need,

3 tbsp raisins

2 tbsp dried apricots, thinly sliced

1 cup quinoa

Kosher salt

1 large lemon

2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil

¼ tsp ground coriander

¼ tsp ground cumin

1/4 tsp sweet paprika

2 medium firm – ripe avocados, pitted and cut into bite sized chunks

2 medium green onions, finely chopped

3 tbsp sliced almonds, toasted

Freshly ground black pepper

In a small bowl soak the raisins and sliced apricots in hot water for 5 minutes. Drain and set aside.

Cook the quinoa according to directions on package. Fluff with a fork and put in a large bowl in the fridge to cool off to room temp.

In another small bowl combine the finely grated zest from the lemon and the juice. Whisk in the olive oil, coriander, cumin, paprika and ¼ tsp salt.

Add the dried fruit, avocado, green onion and toasted almonds to the quinoa. Drizzle on the dressing and toss to coat.  Season with salt and pepper as needed. 

This salad made me very happy. It was best when you got a little of everything in one bite. Sweet, spicy, crunchy, tangy... Yum!

I hope you like it as much as I did.

Jen