I keep running across iterations of a salad that Jennifer Aniston was reputed to have eaten daily while filming Friends. I have no idea the authenticity of any of them, but it seems a quite good idea to throw together some legumes, a grain, herbs, vegetables, nuts or seeds, and feta.
Here's what I plan to make this week, having indulged in purchasing some pistachios and finding tasty Persian cucumbers on sale. I'll put other versions below to have in one place for future reference. If I could find a nutritious and tasty salad that I could eat every day of the week, I would be ecstatic. Update: this is really good. It's not cheap (pistachios? fresh herbs? etc.) but I think it's worth it. Things to consider: if I'm still liking it on day #5 (I just made it) and how satisfying it is or if I need to eat it with something else for it to stick on my ribs.
- 1 cup uncooked quinoa or bulgar wheat
- 2 cups water
- 1 cup cucumber, chopped
- ½ cup parsley, chopped
- ½ cup mint, chopped
- ⅓ cup red onion, chopped
- ½ cup roasted and salted pistachios, chopped (I think almonds would be just as good)
- 1 15 ounce can chickpeas, drained and rinsed (or lentils?)
- 2 lemons, juiced (about 5-6 Tablespoons)
- ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
- salt and pepper to taste
- ½ cup crumbled feta cheese
Instructions
- Rinse and drain quinoa. Add quinoa and water to a small pot and bring the water to a boil. Reduce to a simmer, cover and cook for 15 minutes. Fluff with a fork and let cool for 5-10 minutes.
- In a medium bowl, stir together cooked quinoa, cucumber, parsley, mint, red onion, pistachios, chickpeas, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, pepper and feta.
- Serve immediately or let the salad chill in the fridge a couple hours before serving.Store salad in an airtight container for up to 5 days in the refrigerator.
Directions
In a large saucepan, combine the lentils, ½ teaspoon salt, and water.
Bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
Turn the heat to low and cook for 15–20 minutes, or until the lentils are soft but still slightly firm. Do not overcook the lentils or they will become mushy.
While the lentils are cooking, whisk together the lemon juice, ½ teaspoon salt, and olive oil in a large bowl.
Mix the red onion, diced cucumber, parsley, scallions, and mint into the dressing.
Once the lentils are cooked, drain off any excess water.
Add the lentils to the large bowl and toss until fully combined.
Top with olives and, if desired, crumbled feta cheese to serve.
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