Picnic season is here- or least right around the corner for most of us. I love a good picnic, and always make excuses to eat on the grass when I can! There’s just something about being outside, with nature that makes me want to create and eat fresh, healthy meals. And so I do! This quinoa salad is perfect for such an occasion, or really any summer night- it’s light but satisfying, packed with plant based protein and packs well for dining al fresco.
It features a few of my favorite spring flavors- lightly sauteed leeks, tiny green spring peas that pop in your mouth [you can use fresh, or frozen] and farm fresh mint leaves, chopped lightly for a burst of refreshing flavor in every single bite. I don’t think anything beats fresh mint.
Warm leek and pea quinoa salad with mint {gluten-free, vegan}
Serves 2 as a main; 4 as a side
1 cup quinoa (dry)
2 tbsp olive oil, divided
1 clove garlic, minced
1 leek, halved, sliced and soaked to remove debris
handful fresh chopped mint
3/4 cup fresh or frozed defrosted spring peas
handful fresh mint, chopped
Zest and juice of one lemon
1/2 tsp dried basil
sea salt to taste
1. Cook quinoa according to package directions. Let cool slightly.
2. Meanwhile, heat 1 tbsp oil over medium heat in a large sautee pan. Sautee garlic until translucent. Add leeks and sautee until softened and starting to turn golden.
3. In a large bowl, toss quinoa, 1 tbsp olive oil, leek/garlic mix, peas, mint, lemon zest/juice and basil.Add a pinch of sea salt, more to taste.
Serve warm or chilled.
{More Picnic Friendly recipes}
Tangy Bean and Corn Summer Salad
Raw guacamole
Artichoke White Bean Hummus
Spring Salad with raspberry vinaigrette
Zucchini Noodles with avocado dressing
Blueberry cupcakes with tangy lemon frosting
Hot or cold summer salad
Kelp noodle and kale salad bowl
What are your favorite picnic-friendly recipes?
xo
{ 6 comments… read them below or add one }
That looks gorgeous and I have so much fresh mint!
Kris, this looks fantastic! I coming to any picnic you have
This looks so yummy, I love leeks!
Hi Kristin!
Could you do a post on gaining weight? I know you’ve gained weight and you seem really happy about it and I’d love to hear how you’ve been so positive about it. I struggle with being a bigger size now than I used to be… I’d love to hear how you do it!
Hi Charlene,
Yes, when I started blogging I was underweight and did gain enough weight to be at a healthy size. I’m very happy where I am now because I am healthier than ever! Weight isn’t a concern for me… being healthy is my goal. I won’t be doing a post on weight gain, however my friend Meghan has a fabulous post on the topic if you’d like to check it out: http://meghantelpnerblog.com/2009/09/28/id-rather-be-chubby/
xo
That looks so fresh and summery. What a perfect summery meal.