How To Make A Delicious & Healthy Pistachio Date Quinoa Salad

Don’t get us wrong – we love cracking into an indulgent dessert or cheese-covered casserole but sometimes, we’re in the mood for a lighter lunch or dinner. This quinoa salad recipe from Vitamix is an amazing choice because you can pack it with as much flavour as you want and it’s full of protein. It’ll keep you full and have you feeling amazing. Serve up with a side of fish or grilled chicken breast and you’ve got yourself one nutrient-packed meal!

See also: How To Make Jordana of I Hart Nutrition’s Organic Bone Broth Recipe

Here’s how to make this delicious and healthy quinoa salad recipe!

Ingredients for the Quinoa Salad:

• ½ cup (85 g) quinoa, uncooked
• 1/2 teaspoons cumin seeds
• ½ teaspoon fennel seeds
• 3/4 cup + 2 Tablespoons / 210ml water
• ¼ teaspoon salt, optional
• 1/2 (25 g) small yellow onion, diced
• 1 1/2 cups (45 g) fresh spinach
• 1/4 cups (15 g) Italian flat leaf parsley, chopped
• ½ can (75 g) chickpeas, drained, rinsed
• ½ cup (80 g) dates, pitted
• ¼ cup (40 g) pistachio nuts, toasted, shelled

Method:

1. Pour quinoa into a 2-quart pot and toast over medium heat for 3 to 4 minutes until the grains are dry and lightly toasted. 
2. Add cumin and fennel seed and toast another minute, then add water and salt. Bring to a boil, stir a few times, and cover with a lid. 
3. Reduce heat to low and cook for 20 to 22 minutes, until all of the water is absorbed and grains are tender. Cool for 5 minutes.
4. While the quinoa is cooking, combine the onions, spinach, parsley, chickpeas, and dates in a mixing bowl.
5. Place the pistachios into the Vitamix container and secure lid.
6. Start the blender on its lowest speed, and slowly increase speed to Variable 4.
7. Blend for 5 to 10 seconds to chop the pistachios.
8. Add the chopped pistachios to the salad mix in the bowl.

Ingredients for the Salad Dressing:

• 1 Tablespoon extra virgin olive oil, optional
• 1½ Tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 1 Tablespoon lime zest
• ¼ teaspoon coriander
• 1/2 pinch of ground black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon salt, optional

Method:

1. Place the olive oil, lemon juice, lime zest, coriander and salt into the Vitamix container in the order listed and secure lid.
2. Start the blender on its lowest speed, and slowly increase speed to Variable 6.
3. Blend for 10 seconds.
4. Pour over salad in the mixing bowl and toss to coat.
5. After the quinoa has cooled slightly, transfer it to the mixing bowl and use tongs to toss the quinoa with the salad mixture.

Photo & Recipe: Vitamix