Quinoa Cucumber and tomato salad

Quinoa is a very healthy seed that you should include in your diet. It is anti-oxidant, gluten-free, full of vitamins and minerals, high in protein content, great magnesium source and very high in fiber. In addition, it assists metabolism and help with weight loss.  Today I am going to share with you a simple quinoa salad made with a light and refreshing dressing. Hope you enjoy it!  

Ingredients

Dressing:

•    3 tbsp lemon juice

•    2 cloves of minced garlic

•    2 tbsp honey

•    1 tbsp pomegranate molasses

•    2 tbsp cup olive oil

•    Salt and pepper to taste

Salad:

•    1/2 cups cooked quinoa

•    1 ¼ cup of water

•    2 medium sliced cucumber  (quarters)

•    2 medium chopped tomatoes

•    ¼ cup of chopped parsley

Directions

1. Combine the quinoa with the water and bring to boil. Turn heat on low and cook semi-covered for 20 minutes, or until water is absorbed. Then let cool for 5 minutes.

2. Combine the lemon juice, garlic, honey, pomegranate molasses, and a pinch of salt and pepper in a small mixing bowl. Whisk in the olive oil until the dressing is combined.

3. In a large bowl, toss together the quinoa, cucumber slices, tomatoes and parsley.

4. Add the dressing when ready to serve and toss to combine.

Orange Couscous Salad

Ingredients

-       ¾ cup of orange juice

-       ¾ cup of vegetable stock

-       1 tsp of cinnamon ground

-       ½ tsp of ground coriander

-       1 cup of couscous

-       ¼ cup of raisins

-       2 chopped tomatoes

-       1 tbsp of lemon juice

-       1 crushed garlic clove

-       ¼ cup of chopped parsley

-       ¼ cup of chopped fresh mint

-       2 tbsp of olive oil

-       salt and pepper to taste

Directions

1.    Combine the stock, the orange juice, the cinnamon, the ground and the coriander in a large saucepan and bring to boil.

2.     Add some salt then put the couscous. Let the grain swell for 5 minutes then add some olive oil and stir with a fork.

3.    Remove from the heat, cover and leave to soak for 10 minutes.

4.    Put the raisins, tomatoes, lemon, garlic, parsley, fresh mint and olive oil I a large bowl and toss well.

5.    Add the soaked couscous and season with salt and pepper.

6.    Your couscous salad is ready to be served!

  

Salmon and Couscous Salad

Health Benefits

-          Salmon is a very good source of vitamin B6, vitamin B12, vitamin D, selenium, niacin, omega-3 fatty acids, protein, phosphorus, choline, pantothenic, biotin and potassium.

-          Tomatoes are anti-inflammatory. They reduce heart disease, lower risk of stone formation, lower cholesterol, reduce migraines and prevent cancer. In addition, they purify blood, boost immunity, improve bones and promote healthy skin.

-          Cucumbers are full of water, anti-cancer, laxative and Diuretic. They ease heartburn, acid stomach and Ulcers. In addition, they dissolves kidney and bladder stones, kill bad breath causing bacteria, regulate blood pressure and cures headaches.

-          Green Mint is a blood cleanser. It also soothes the digestive tract, eliminates toxins from the body, reduces the growth of bacteria and fungus and helps in curing asthma. In addition, it whitens teeth and combats bad breath and help preventing colon, skin and lung cancer.

-          Lemon helps with weight loss, improves digestion, relieves from constipation and promotes eye care. The benefits of lime also include treatment of scurvy, piles, peptic ulcer, respiratory disorders, gout, gums and urinary disorders.

-          Olive oil is rich in mono-saturated fats which helps protect against Type II diabetes. It helps with weight loss; maintain healthy heart, lower blood pressure, keeps healthy bones and healthy skin. In addition, it helps prevent colon and skin cancer.

Ingredients

·         1 fillet salmon ( 200 gram)

·         2 cups of water

·         ½ cup of couscous

·         ½ cup of diced tomatoes

·         ½ cup of diced cucumber

·         2 Tbsp of sliced fresh green mint leaves

·          2 Tbsp of lemon juice

·         3  tbsp of olive oil

·         Salt and pepper to taste

Directions

1.      Boil the water in a saucepot, add some salt then put the couscous. Let the grain swell for 5 minutes then add some olive oil and stir with a fork.

2.      Strain the couscous and pour some water on it then set it aside to cool down.

3.      Season the salmon with olive oil, salt and peeper and give the fillet of salmon a good massage, then put it in the oven 250 °C for about 7 minutes.

4.      Put some of your couscous in a small mixing bowl, and then add the tomatoes, the cucumber, the green mint leaves, some lemon juice, olive oil and salt and pepper to taste. Then give the mix a good stir.

5.      Transfer the couscous salad to a shallow dish then the salmon fillet on top.

6.      On top squeeze some lemon juice and add some olive oil

7.      Enjoy!

Healthy Spinach Pomegranate Salad

Health Benefits

·         Spinach Leaves are an excellent source of vitamin K, vitamin A, manganese, folate, magnesium, iron, copper, vitamin B2, vitamin B6, vitamin E, calcium, potassium, and vitamin C. They are a very good source of dietary fiber, phosphorus, vitamin B1, zinc, protein, and choline.

·         White Onion is antiseptic, anti-spasmodic and anti-biotic. It assists with asthma, detoxifying of metals and parasites, prevents cancer, protects brain, strengthens bones, aids digestion and purifies Blood.

·         Walnut assists with healthy blood formation, development and growth. It contains vitamin B complex and rich in vitamin E. It strengths kidneys and lungs, lubricates digestive system, balances good verses bad fats, improves brain health and metabolism, and fight free –radicals.

·         Pomegranate provides relief from stomach disorders, protects against heart ailments, maintains blood sugar levels and blood pressure, and reduces risk of developing cancer. It also lowers dental plaque and helps reduce symptoms of anemia. In addition, it provides youthful and glowing skin and helps overcome depression.

·         Balsamic Vinegar is low in calorie which helps with weight loss. It lowers and stabilizes blood pressure levels. The polyphenols in balsamic vinegar limited the ability of LDL cholesterol to oxidize and this reduced the amount of damage done by LDL cholesterol on the body’s cells.

·         Olive Oil is rich in mono-saturated fats which helps protect against Type II diabetes. It helps with weight loss; maintain healthy heart, lower blood pressure, keeps healthy bones and healthy skin. In addition, it helps prevents colon and skin cancer.

·         Honey is anti-viral, anti-fungal and a powerful antioxidant. It helps ward off allergies, soothes sore throats and is a natural expectorant.  It also stabilizes blood pressure and balances blood sugar levels, boosts immune function, promotes digestive health.

Ingredients

-          2 cups rinsed and drained baby spinach leaves

-          ¼   sliced white onion

-          ½ cup walnut pieces

-          ½  cup crumbled feta cheese

-          1 peeled and seeds separated pomegranate

-          2 tbsp balsamic vinegar

-          1 tbsp olive oil

-          1 tsp honey

-          Salt and pepper to taste

Directions

1-      Place spinach in a salad bowl. Top with white onion, walnuts and feta.

2-      Sprinkle pomegranate seeds over the top

3-      Mix together the balsamic vinegar, the olive oil, the honey, the salt and pepper.

4-      Add the mix to the salad

5-      Enjoy J