Who is on a diet? *Raises both hands*
Who hates being on a diet? *Raises both hands, feet, extra hips, and thighs*
This post-holiday weight issue is a bore. Unfair. Too much to handle. Speaking of handles – where did these things come from? My children can now hang on them! I can hide a few chips in there, too.
Thus in my desperate attempt to make those handles disappear and that extra jiggle to take a break, (we can reconnect next year) I have been trying to eat somewhat healthier. My go to snack is a handful of almonds and my lunch involves either a salad or a lettuce wrap. Dinner has been replaced with a bowl of cereal, and dessert… well, now, we can’t let go of everything. I still have dessert. 
Few days ago I wanted to change things up a bit, so I went to my pantry and finally opened up that 4-pound bag of Quinoa that I bought at Costco last month. I actually like Quinoa because it’s versatile. I once made it with dried fruit and I couldn’t believe how good it was. Sometimes I will just add it to my leafy salad, or eat it plain with a good homemade dressing.
If you have never tried quinoa, give this recipe a go. I think you will love it. Feta and sun-dried tomatoes are a really good match for this grain, and the lemon vinaigrette pulls it all together nicely.
ENJOY!
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups quinoa
- 3 cups water
- 8 to 10 sun dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1/3 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 2 tablespoons freeze-dried basil (if you have fresh basil, use 1 tablespoon chopped basil)
- 4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- salt and pepper
Instructions
- In a medium sized saucepan combine the water and quinoa; bring to a vigorous boil.
- Reduce the heat, cover and let simmer until quinoa is tender, about 15 minutes.
- Remove from heat and fluff up with a fork.
- Transfer the quinoa to a bowl and mix in the sun dried tomatoes, feta, and basil.
- Make the dressing by placing all ingredients in a small bowl; whisk together until thoroughly combined.
- Pour the dressing over the quinoa, toss, and serve.
Notes
Use the dry sun-dried tomatoes and not the ones that come in a jar with oil.
I recently cooked with sundried tomatoes and was looking for something to do with the extras. This was the perfect recipe to do so. It was very easy and so delicious! Thank you for sharing!
That’s great! I’m so glad you loved it!! Thank you!
Wow, it looks amazing! I love salads and quinoa seems to me a really good alternative when really hungry and dieting (as I always do…)
great photo, as well
I’ve been on a diet every since I turned 16, a long time ago!
What a great little recipe! It’s so pretty, healthy and sounds very tasty! I love simple recipe and dressings like this! Thanks!
LOL MJ!
We will be trying this one. I know my hubby will love it! And it’s perfect for my weekday health kick. Weekends are another story.
Kate, what a fabulous recipe that is both tasty and so healthy! Thank you for sharing. We really need recipes like this following all the yummy holiday indulgences. Pinned & Tweeted! xoxo
Diets are so dull. Give me rich foods, indulgent desserts, and heavy cream-laden bowl of cereal. Oh, and several servings of this fabulous quinoa dish (just to keep things in check).
Gorgeous photos!
Val, you rock! Heavy cream over cereal…. that’s the best!! I’m not the only one who thinks that?! YES!
Simply delicious dinner! Love the sundried tomatoes!
Feta cheese is such a favorite, and I love quinoa. Beautiful salad! And I must try the FFWD one, it sounds great.
Wonderful healthy and delicious use of quinoa!
I never realized that sun dried tomatoes were controversial until a cooking board I am on went crazy over how much they hate them. Glad to see I am not alone in loving them! Pinning now! And Boo! for diets!
Diet! Oh don’t even mention it! Now that salad looks soo good Kate! I love everything about it plus very tempting photos!
Thanks for sharing a healthy light salad recipe- much appreciated;-)
I don’t believe in the “D word,” but I want to get healthier and happier:-) We try to avoid eating out, and making better choices. We love quinoa, and love making it in fun sweet and savory dishes:-) Your salad sounds lovely, I love the addition of the sun dried tomatoes! Yum, Hugs, Terra
My love for sundried tomatoes is crazy! I used to put them in everything. I’m definitely going to try this
I love Costco, but have never picked up the giant bag of quinoa. I get my arms filled with hummus and cheese and artichokes and run out of room before I get to the quinoa aisle.
(Heaven help me if I get a cart!)
Thanks for sharing a tasty-looking recipe!
LOL! I know what you mean!
Thanks, Kirsten!!
I love this, Kate! I want to eat this for lunch and dinner, gorgeous snaps!
Mmmm……I’ve never had Quinoa however I have always wanted to try it. Love feta and sun dried tomatoes, so this recipe is very tempting. Yet another for my “to do list”.
I love sundried tomatoes. I need to pick some up. Looks so flavorful and good!