Quinoa Tabouli

Lots of mint makes this easy dish a superbly refreshing summer lunch. Make the quinoa in advance, then just chop, blend, and serve!

Serves 2-4. (Use organic and fresh ingredients whenever possible.)

• 3 c. quinoa; prepared in advance and chilled
• 3 tomatoes (use multi-color or heirloom varieties if you can); chopped
• 1/2 cucumber; quartered lengthwise and cut into bite-size pieces
• 1/3 red onion; chopped
• 2 Tbsp. olive oil
• 1 1/2 Tbsp. fresh mint leaves; chopped
• 1 1/2 Tbsp. fresh cilantro leaves; chopped 
• 3 garlic cloves; minced
• 1 tsp. lemon juice — or, 2 tsp. balsami vinegar
• 1/2 tsp. black pepper
• (optional: chopped black olives; chopped red/orange/yellow bell peppers; finely chopped fresh spinach) 

Prepare quinoa in advance and according to instructions on box; chill in refrigerator for an hour minimum (or make a day in advance). In large mixing bowl stir together tomatoes, cucumber, and onion. In small bowl, combine oiive oil, mint, cilantro, garlic, lemon juice, and black pepper; pour over tomato mixture and blend well. Spoon over beds of quinoa and serve with crusty bread (or, gluten-free blue corn chips) with pesto spread.  See pesto recipe below. (Photo shows vegetable mixture prior to being blended with quinoa.)

Ayurveda Note: With it's cooling herbs of mint and cilantro, this refreshing summer salad pacifies Pitta.

Quinoa with Cherry Tomatoes

With its understated taste, protein-packed quinoa is a great neutral base for fresh, warm summer salads. Cherry tomatoes, kale, carrots, and avocado make a nourishing medley of goodness.

Serves 2 as main course. (Use organic and fresh ingredients whenever possible.)

• 2 cups quinoa; rinsed and prepared according to instructions on package
• a fist full of kale; washed and chopped
• 1 small carrot; shaved into ribbons using vegetable peeler
• 18-24 cherry tomatoes; washed and quartered
• 2 Tbsp. olive oil
• 2-4 garlic cloves; minced
• 1 Tbsp. dried basil (use fresh herbs if you have them)
• 1 Tbsp. dried oregano 
• 1 tsp. freshly-ground black pepper
• 1/2 avocado; cut into thin wedges

Prepare quinoa. Wash vegetables and cut accordingly. Steam kale and carrots on stove top until brightly colored. Quarter tomatoes and place in medium-sized bowl with olive oil, garlic, herbs, and black pepper. When steamed vegetables are done, add them to the tomato mixture and gently stir all ingredients until well mixed. Place 1 cup of hot or room temperature quinoa in each serving bowl. Spoon vegetable mixture on top of quinoa bed and garnish with avocado wedges. Optional: Blue corn chips make a nice accompaniment.

Faux Pasta

This gluten-free dish is delicious and easy. It's basically a hot salad that performs and tastes like real pasta — and, it only takes about 12 minutes if you prep veggies in advance (ie. cut them up in the morning and store covered in fridge).

Serves 2-4. (Use organic and fresh ingredients whenever possible.)

• 1 Tbsp. coconut oil or olive oil
• 1/2+ onion; sliced into thin rings
• 1 c. sliced crimini mushrooms*
• 1-2 carrots; washed and shaved into long ribbons using vegetable peeler
• 2 zucchinis; washed and shaved into long ribbons using vegetable peeler (discard seeds and core; or save in fridge and add to soups or stews)
• 2-6 cloves garlic; minced (optional)
• 1 tsp. black pepper
• 1 jar (~25 oz.) favorite tomato-based sauce (ie. Trader Joe's Organic Tomato Basil Marinara)

On stove top skillet at medium/low heat, in 1 Tbsp. oil sauté onions until translucent and sweet; add mushrooms and sauté a few minutes more. Add carrot and zucchini ribbons to skillet and cook for 5-10 minutes or until tender; do not overcook (separate using fork as necessary); add garlic and black pepper. Place vegetable mixture in bowls and cover. Warm pasta/marinara sauce; spoon sauce over vegetables. For larger meal, eschew the crimini mushrooms in the main dish and serve sides of portobello mushrooms sauted in olive oil and soy sauce.

*Health tip: Place mushrooms in the sun for an hour before using to significantly increase vitamin D content.

Ayurveda Note: Warm and lightly cooked foods help pacify Vata.