"Super Foods"

My friend Sherry was up for a visit and I know she's trying very hard to work on healthy eating habits, so I thought I'd try to plan a menu that would fit into the "healthy" category!  I've embellished the menu a little from what we actually had (we went for frozen yogurt for dessert for example), but for the most part, this was the plan...

I started the menu plan by searching for a good quinoa salad recipe.  Quinoa has definitely been touted as a "super food" because of it's high protein (has all 8 essential amino acids), high fiber & relatively low glycemic index.  I found a recipe that included black beans (more protein and fiber) and other ingredients that I love.  The result was a very pretty and very healthy salad!  Plus, for your vegan, vegetarian or gluten-intolerant guests, this would also work.  I still wanted a main protein (hard to give up those old ways) so I settled on grilled or roasted chicken.  I love chicken thighs so I purchased some boneless, skinless chicken thighs from Whole Foods.  I made a quick rub with chili powder, cumin, Mexican oregano and ground coriander.  I added a little olive oil, mixed it together and rubbed the thighs with the mixture.  I let it sit in the refrigerator at least one hour before grilling or baking.  Add some grilled veggies if you want and you have a simple but pretty guiltless menu.  I thought some fresh blueberries with a little plain Greek yogurt and a drizzle of honey would be a good final touch for dessert!

Mango Quinoa Salad

2 cups cooked quinoa * at room temperature or chilled
1 14-oz. can black beans, drained & rinsed
1medium mango, peeled & diced
1 red bell pepper, diced
6 green onions, thinly sliced
1 handful chopped cilantro (about 1/2 cup)
4 tablespoons red wine vinegar
3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1-2 tablespoons fresh lime juice (1 small lime)
kosher salt
freshly cracked black pepper


*Quinoa can be cooked in water or broth.

Place cooked quinoa in a large bowl.  Add mango, red pepper, green onions, black beans and cilantro.  In a small bowl combine vinegar, olive oil, and lime juice.  Whish until smooth and pour over top of salad.  Toss to combine and add salt & pepper to taste.  Chill for at least one hour before serving.