| Prep: 20 mins | Cook: 15 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 295 | 10g | 3g | 44g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 18g | 5g | 9g | 0.35g |
At first blush, the Sea Lettuce and Quinoa Salad might appear to be a far cry from the corn casseroles and beef stews that color my Midwestern roots. However, much like the heartland staples of my youth, this recipe is a testament to wholesome, farm-to-table freshness. With every ingredient, from the hearty quinoa to the delicate sea lettuce, there’s a sense of genuine authenticity and earthy simplicity that wholeheartedly embraces my culinary philosophy.
The Heart of the Heartland Meets Ocean Freshness
While the heartland is famously rich in soil, this inaugural recipe delivers an unexpected but delightful fusion – echoing the freshness of the oceans and the wholesome richness of the fields. The Sea Lettuce and Quinoa Salad offers a nourishing blend of land and sea. By incorporating a seemingly exotic ingredient like sea lettuce – a wonderfully nutritious source of vitamins – into the warmth of Midwestern cooking, this recipe indeed epitomizes my ethos of culinary exploration within comfortable boundaries.
A Symphony of Flavors and Nutrients
However, it’s not simply the freshness of the ingredients that excites me about this dish. The juxtaposition of flavors and textures is what truly elevates the recipe. Each ingredient adds a unique note to the symphony – the sweetness of fresh berries, the nutty foundation of quinoa, the tangy burst of citrus juices, the refreshing hint of mint, and the subtle crunch of red onions. The optional sprinkle of feta cheese lends a creamy contrast that ties together all these flavors beautifully.
Moreover, this salad is a powerhouse of nutritional benefits. Quinoa, being an excellent source of protein and fiber, serves as the perfect base. The combination of sea lettuce, berries, and mango packs this dish with a rich variety of vitamins and antioxidants. It’s the kind of a meal that can make you feel good from the inside out.
A Fresh Twist to Your Meal Plan
While this salad stands strong on its own, it can also beautifully complement a variety of dishes. It could serve as a refreshing side to a piece of grilled halibut, or even accompany a comforting pulled pork sandwich, injecting a punch of freshness to balance out the rich meat. In other words, the Sea Lettuce and Quinoa Salad is not just a recipe, but a vibrant culinary experience that knows no boundaries.
What You’ll Need
- 1 cup of quinoa
- 2 cups of water
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 1 cup of sea lettuce, washed and chopped
- 1 cup of fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 1 cup of fresh blueberries
- 1 mango, peeled and cubed
- 1 red onion, chopped
- 1/2 cup of fresh mint leaves, chopped
- Juice of 1 lime
- 1/4 cup of orange juice
- 1 tablespoon of honey
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup of crumbled feta cheese (optional)
Method
Step One
Place 1 cup of quinoa and 2 cups of water in a saucepan. Bring it to a boil over medium heat. Once it starts boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the quinoa is tender and the water has been absorbed. Remove from heat and let it cool.
Step Two
While your quinoa is cooling, prepare your fruit and veggies. Take 1 cup of sea lettuce and wash it well, chop it into small pieces. Hull and slice 1 cup of fresh strawberries, and separate out 1 cup of fresh blueberries. Also, peel and cube 1 mango, and chop up 1 red onion.
Step Three
In a large bowl, mix the cooled quinoa, sea lettuce, strawberries, blueberries, mango, and onion. Then, add 1/2 a cup of chopped fresh mint leaves.
Step Four
In a separate bowl, prepare your dressing. Add the juice of 1 lime, 1/4 cup of orange juice, and 1 tablespoon of honey. Add salt and pepper to taste, then mix well.
Step Five
Pour the prepared dressing over the quinoa and fruit mixture. Toss well to ensure everything is fully coated in the dressing.
Step Six
To finish off, optionally sprinkle the salad with 1/2 cup of crumbled feta cheese. Enjoy your Sea Lettuce and Quinoa Salad!
