An ancient seed that helps you feel full and sustain balanced energy levels

Used like a grain, quinoa is actually an ancient seed and provides protein and complex carbohydrates which help you to feel full and sustain balanced energy levels. As well as being available as a dry grain, quinoa also comes in steam pouches to save time.

Quinoa Salad with pesto dressing and toasted seeds

Serves 1

Ingredients
125g dry quinoa, rinsed
60g mixed seeds, such as sesame, pumpkin, sunflower
1 carrot, diced
4 large broccoli florets, halved
½ cucumber, cut into matchsticks
½ avocado, sliced

For the dressing
3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
3 tbsp lemon juice
2 tbsp finely chopped basil
2 garlic* cloves, finely chopped
sea salt flakes and pepper

Method
Whisk the dressing ingredients together until well combined, season lightly and set aside to infuse.

Cook the quinoa according to the packet instructions.

Place the seeds in a dry frying pan over a medium heat for 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently, until lightly toasted.

Cook the carrot and broccoli in a steamer over a saucepan of gently simmering water until just tender.

Place half the quinoa, all of the vegetables, half the seeds, the cucumber and the avocado in a bowl with half of the dressing, toss to combine and serve warm. Alternatively, leave to cool and mix together just before serving if you’d prefer.

Store the remaining quinoa and dressing in two airtight containers in the refrigerator and the remaining toasted seeds in an airtight jar for later use.

Extracted from The G Plan Diet by Amanda Hamilton & Hannah Ebelthite (Aster, approx €15). Photograph by Adrian Lawrence.