Summer Entertaining: Tomato-Basil Quinoa Salad

Summer Entertaining

Southern Socials

Tomato-Basil Quinoa Salad

Seasonal produce & herbs accompanied with ancient grains are a delicious & healthy way to enjoy your summer garden harvest. This tomato based salad is versatile as it may feature many different types of tomatoes ranging in style from Sunsugar cherry to Five-Star Grape or Tami G tomatoes. Just a smattering of fresh spinach leaves brighten the plate & offer good texture but many lettuces may be substituted to suit your personal preferences while a little Basil Vinaigrette finishes without flaw. Learn how to make a lovely & simple to make tomato & grain salad perfect for light lunches or to pair with an array of grilled favorites. 

Tomato-Basil Quinoa Salad With Spinach
makes 4 servings

1 cup cooked Basic Quinoa
2 Tbsp olive oil
2 Tbsp fresh lemon juice
1 Tbsp chopped fresh basil
Kosher salt & freshly ground pepper
2 cups assorted Sunsugar, grape & pear tomatoes
1/2 cup packed spinach leaves
Basil Vinaigrette

Combine the Basic Quinoa, the olive oil, the lemon juice, the chopped basil & a smattering of salt & pepper in a small bowl. Arrange the tomatoes & the spinach between 4 salad plates, then top with the quinoa mixture. Drizzle with a bit of the Basil Vinaigrette.

FROM THE KITCHEN OF BUTTERMILK LIPSTICK
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How To Use Cooked Quinoa

Quinoa can be used in hot & cold recipe applications. The fine texture adds wonderful interest to a variety of salads & side dishes such as Walnut-Goat Cheese Spring Salad. Follow these additional pointers for success in your own kitchen.

The Technique

When preparations are to be made for cold salad applications, drizzle with a little olive oil & allow it to cool completely. Chill well & add the remaining ingredients or integrate as directed according to specific recipe applications. Cooked quinoa can be added to soups to boost nutritional value. Spoon a bit into bowls just before serving. 

The Tune
“There’s Something On Your Mind” Etta James & BB King

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