Cashew Balsamic Quinoa Salad

I love Quinoa in almost everything and if it’s in salad form I can hardly resist. Once you get the hang of the taste of quinoa you would want to substitute almost all types of carbohydrate with it. Surprisingly, even Yashvi prefers quinoa over rice so we make a happy duo gorging on quinoa while sharing from the same plate 🙂

Cashew Balsamic Quinoa Salad came to my mind out of my love for quinoa.  Rohit love cashew nuts. I have been thinking about trying balsamic in a salad dressing for a while. However, I was waiting for a great recipe to strike my hungry brains which ultimately touches my taste buds 🙂 . To be honest, I was so full of eating those heavy foods that I was craving for something light, healthier and raw. Hence this recipe came to my rescue. My desire to make this salad absolutely delicious and perfect in my first attempt was quite challenging, but I love challenges because cooking is my passion and I keep challenging myself in this field. It’s my way to keep myself boosted and creative 🙂

For the dressing, I blended all the ingredients into a smooth and creamy dressing. Saved some for later which thickened a little. I poured few drops of water to bring it to the right consistency. Folded in my greens the next day. If you feel the fresh blended dressing is slightly thick for your palate add few drops of water to bring it to your desired consistency. (Don’t pour too much water or else it will become runny and it will lose its flavors).

In a salad bowl I combined all the salad ingredients. Folded this mouthwatering cashew balsamic dressing and immediately took about 5 bites …why?………..because…..I was drooling……and moreover, it was irresistible. I finished almost half the servings of the entire recipe myself even before I could spread this dish on the table for tasting test. Oops! Well, the other half was there for everyone else to taste. This salad got approval from Rohit who is a fussy salad eater. My confidence to share this Cashew Balsamic Quinoa Salad went up extremely high. I am sure this salad will make you fall in love with it in the first bite and you would want this often on your plate.

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Cashew Balsamic Quinoa Salad

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 20 minutes

Serves 4

Per Serving 199 calories

Fat 7 g

Carbs 29 g

Protein 6 g

4

Ingredients

For the dressing

• ¼ cup raw cashew nuts
• ¼ cup balsamic vinegar
• ½ tsp crushed black pepper
• 1 tsp olive oil
• ½ tsp dried garlic
• Salt according to taste

For the salad

• 2 cups cooked quinoa
• ½ cup sliced red onions
• ½ cup chopped carrots
• ½ cup sliced red bell pepper

Instructions

1. In a blender combine all the dressing ingredients except salt and blend into a creamy smooth dressing. Keep it aside.
2. In a salad bowl combine all the salad ingredients.
3. Fold in the dressing and toss it well.
4. Garnish with more raw cashew nuts and serve immediately.

Notes

Cashew nuts bring a mild sweetness to the dressing but feel free to add pinch of brown sugar if the dressing is too tangy for your palate.

If not using the dressing immediately, it may thicken a little. Just before tossing it into the salad add few drops of water to the dressing and whip it with a spoon and then toss it in the salad. You can add few drops on the fresh blended dressing too if desired. (Don’t add too much water. The consistency should be thick, creamy and smooth).