On Sunday each week I’ll often prep a few different things to make meals easy for the week ahead.

Roast or steam some vegetables, bake a loaf of delicious wholesome bread or even just basic things like cooking up quinoa so it’s there to throw in salads and accompany warmer dishes.

Quinoa is such a versatile grain (well, seed really, but considered a grain) with a wonderful nutrition profile and boosts our intake of plant based protein when incorporated into our diet. So with some quinoa on hand and the spirit of spring in mind this yummy number which is our new favourite for the week came about – QUINOA, CITRUS AND FETA SALAD. It’s a delicious combination of sweet, savoury, crunchy and salty all at once and truly celebrates the beauty of food.

QUINOA, BLOOD ORANGE AND FETA SALAD

GF: SF: V

Serves 4 as a side

1/2 cup dry quinoa (makes 2 cups cooked)
2 blood oranges, peeled and cut in segments
1 navel orange, peeled and cut in segments
1/4 Spanish onion, finely sliced
5 baby radish, sliced finely into rounds
100g feta, roughly crumbled
1/ 2 cup fresh herbs – we used a mix of dill and baby sorrel
1/3 cup pomegranate arils
Edible flowers, to serve (optional)

DRESSING:

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon cumin
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
Salt and pepper to taste

Rinse quinoa in a fine mesh sieve until water runs clear, drain and transfer to a medium pot. Add 1 cup of water to 1/2 dry quinoa and salt (The ratio is always 1:2 – quinoa:water). Bring to the boil. Cover, reduce heat to medium low and simmer until water is absorbed, 15 to 20 minutes. Set aside off the heat for 5 minutes; uncover and fluff with a fork.

In a small bowl whisk together the salad dressing ingredients. On a serving platter arrange all of the salad ingredients, drizzle with the dressing and serve.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Jacqueline Alwill, founder of Brown Paper Nutrition is a qualified nutritionist, personal trainer, mother and utterly passionate about everything health, food and life. She is committed to providing the nutrition support and education you need to give your health a makeover, feel radiant and put an energetic bounce into your life.