Black Quinoa Salad

There are about 150 different kinds of Quinoa. Though the most common kinds you can buy everywhere are white, red and black. I am a big fan of quinoa (duh? I am peruvian) and I love them in every color and texture. The white quinoa is the fluffy one that is a bit closer in texture to couscous. The red and black are crunchier, so I find them better for a summer salad.

Quinoa has not only protein, but it is also a source of fiber and iron! For me is the complete package side dish and works perfectly to complement any salad. I made today a black quinoa salad with shrimps. But you can skip the "animal protein" and just eat the rest. This is one of my favorite summer recipes.

Ingredients for 2:

1 cup black quinoa (wash it first if it isnt pre-washed)
​1 cup of broth
8 prawns or big shrimps
a handful of peas
a handful of granate apple
1 avocado
1 scallion
1/2 zucchini
1/2 mozarella
Rocket salad
Olive oil
Lime juice
Salt & Pepper

How to prepare quinoa?  Wash it!  always wash it, otherwise it will become bitter. Now, the water quinoa ratio is: For each unit of Quinoa, add 2 units of water. I like to add broth to the mix to maximize the flavor. So lets say go for 1 part quinoa, 1 part water and 1 part broth. Let it boil and turn the heat to minimum, add the lid and simmer for 20 minutes.

While the quinoa is cooking, Cut the zucchini in julienne (or use a spiralizer) Fry it in a hot wok with some oil for 2 minutes and take it of the heat. Do the same with the peas. Cut the avocado and scallion.

​Once the quinoa is done, mix it with the rocket leaves, scallions and some lime, add salt if needed. Fry the shrimps until the are golden. ​

Place the quinoa mix first and add all the toppings over it. Sprinkle some more scallions, salt and pepper over it and dont forget the pomegranate seeds as well. Now lets wait for the sun to shine and let's eat some of this.