Sweet and Salty

The inspiration for today?s dish actually came from a cookie recipe. When I saw the combination of sweet dried cherries and salty roasted pistachios at the grocery store the other day, I was intrigued by the combination and knew I had to try it out somehow.

Well, since I?m probably the world?s worst baker, and quite honestly don?t have the patience or discipline for baking, I went the salad route. Go figure.

Enter Sweet and Salty Quinoa Salad.

I started out by massaging about 2 or 3 cups of spinach with the juice and zest of two limes, extra virgin olive oil, and some sea salt. I had cooked some quinoa earlier this morning for the occasion (albeit in my rice cooker! I swear, it?s the wonder appliance!) and tossed that in after the spinach had softened and wilted a bit.

Then I added in the stars of the show; some dried cherries and roasted pistachios. Mmmm, sweet and salty never tasted so good.

I ended up adding a bit more lime juice, EVOO, and the juice of half a lemon for a little extra flavor. Oh, and just a little bit of chopped green onion. Oh yah…and some fresh chopped cilantro and basil too.  (It?s all comin? back?I just threw in whatever sounded good!).

Okay, so I know it?s an abundance of pictures. But isn?t it pretty? Food just tastes so much better when it looks nice

I also cooked up some shrimp in lime juice for an extra protein punch. I added some fresh cilantro and basil once it was done too.

Mmm. I?m kind of jealous of S and K. I want this for dinner!

As you can see I went heavy on the spinach to bulk up the quinoa salad. I typically do that when I make grain salads, as I prefer more veggie to grain?does that make sense? Summer is all about these cold, light and fresh salads. YUM.

Ok folks, I?m off to enjoy my day complete with yoga, good food, and great company?the best!

 Have a good one!