In a quaint little town, during a sun-drenched afternoon, I found myself wandering through a vibrant farmer’s market. The air was filled with the scent of fresh herbs and flowers, and the colorful array of produce caught my eye like a painter’s palette. It was here that I stumbled upon the inspiration for this unique salad. The golden grains of quinoa and the delicate, nutty amaranth danced together in my mind, waiting to be paired with zesty citrus and a sprinkle of vibrant herbs. This salad is a celebration of grains, bringing together textures and flavors that are both refreshing and satisfying.
Ingredients
1 cup quinoa
1/2 cup amaranth
2 cups vegetable broth
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cucumber, diced
1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
1/2 cup bell pepper, diced
1/4 cup parsley, chopped
1/4 cup mint, chopped
1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled (optional)
Zest of 1 lemon
Zest of 1 orange
Citrus Vinaigrette
1/4 cup olive oil
2 tablespoons fresh orange juice
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Start by rinsing the quinoa and amaranth under cold water. Combine both grains in a pot with vegetable broth and bring to a gentle boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover, and let simmer for about 15 minutes or until the liquid is absorbed and the grains are fluffy. Remove from heat and let it sit covered for another 5 minutes before fluffing with a fork.
While the grains are cooking, prepare the vibrant vegetables. In a large bowl, combine the cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, bell pepper, parsley, mint, and feta cheese. The colors should remind you of a painter’s canvas, bursting with life and flavor.
Next, whip up the citrus vinaigrette. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, fresh orange juice, fresh lemon juice, honey, and a pinch of salt and pepper. The aroma will be invigorating, filling your kitchen with a bright, zesty scent.
Once the grains have cooled slightly, add them to the bowl of vegetables. Drizzle the citrus vinaigrette over the salad and toss gently to combine all the ingredients. The grains will soak up the vibrant flavors, making every bite a delightful experience.
Finally, sprinkle the zests of lemon and orange over the salad for an extra burst of citrus goodness. Serve this whimsical quinoa and amaranth salad chilled or at room temperature, and watch as your friends and family are enchanted by its beauty and flavor. It’s a dish that tells a story of sun-kissed markets and the joy of cooking with love.