Quinoa Nicoise Salad

One of the best quinoa recipes.

• 1 cup uncooked quinoa
• Salt
• 8 ounces thin green beans, trimmed and halved if very long
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 6 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons drained capers
• Pepper
• 2 5-oz. cans flaked white tuna packed in water, drained 
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/2 cup pitted kalamata olives
• 1 green onion, thinly sliced
• cucumbers, carrots, broccoli, other fresh veggies 

Preparation

1.  Rinse quinoa thoroughly in cold water and drain well. Place quinoa in a large pot with 2 cups water. Bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce heat to medium, cover and simmer until most of the liquid has absorbed and quinoa is tender, about 15 minutes. Remove from heat and let stand for about 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork, transfer to a large bowl and refrigerate until cool, stirring occasionally.
2. Steam green beans and other vegetables in mircowave until tender, about 5 minutes. Drain, run beans under cold water and drain again. Cover and refrigerate.
3.  Whisk together lemon juice and mustard in a small bowl. Slowly drizzle in oil, whisking constantly. Stir in capers. Season with pepper.
4.  Spread out quinoa on a serving platter. Top with tuna, green beans, tomatoes, olives, onion and other toppings forming rows of each. Drizzle with dressing, season with salt and pepper and serve.

Adapted from myrecipes.com

Maple Oatmeal Breakfast Squares

• 1/4 cup maple syrup
• 1/4 cup coarsely chopped walnuts
• 1 cup chopped pitted dates
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 egg
• 3 tablespoons butter, softened
• 1/2 cup applesauce
• 1/2 cup vanilla low-fat yogurt
• 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 3 cups quick-cooking oats (not instant)
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

Preparation

1. 1. Preheat oven to 350°.
2. 2. Mix all ingredients in a large bowl, stirring slowly with a wooden spoon until well combined.
3. 3. Spray a 9- x 13-inch baking pan with cooking spray. Pour batter into pan, and spread evenly.
4. 4. Bake 25 minutes or until just golden brown around edges. Cool and cut into squares.

Adapted from myrecipes.com