Quinoa Salad with Lemon Chicken Tofu
Introduction
There is a somewhat-common misconception going around that salads, especially ones that do not contain any meat, are not “filling” enough. After trying this deliciously filling vegetarian salad you will come to see that this myth is simply not true.
Yields
One hungry person, with leftovers
Preparation time
15-20 minutes
Utilities needed
Saucepan
Stove
Ingredients needed
1 serving of fried tofu, lemon chicken style (prepare while Quinoa is cooking; see note in preparation instructions below)
1/2 cup of Quinoa
1 1/2 cups of water
2 firm tomatoes, diced
1/2 a red bell pepper, diced
1/2 a Long English cucumber, diced
1/2 a brick of firm tofu (I recommend Sunrise’s firm tofu)
1/4 to 1/2 a can of mixed beans (kidney beans, chickpea, black bean, pinto beans, etc.)
Seasonings
Braggs Liquid Aminos
lemon juice or lemon pepper
freshly ground pepper
powered onion
powered garlic
paprika
How to make it
Note: You are going to have to multitask for this one. The Quinoa takes about 15 to 20 minutes to make, so right after you put your Quinoa on the stove, start on the lemon chicken tofu; the recipe can be found here.
Step 1: Using a fine mesh strainer, rinse the Quinoa under water. Drain well. Place in saucepan with water, cover, and bring contents to boil over high heat. Once boil is achieved, turn heat down to low and steam for 15 to 20 minutes or until all water had evaporated. Fluff cooked Quinoa with a fork. Cool.
Step 2: You will probably not use all the Quinoa for one serving, and since this is a single serving recipe, scoop out enough Quinoa onto a plate - this is usually around 1/2 cup, give or take. Add minced cucumbers, minced tomatoes, and mixed beans. Mix gently.
Step 3: Add seasonings. I have purposely left out proportions because they depend entire upon your own personal tastes. I recommend one tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice, two pinches of freshly ground black pepper, one or two tablespoons of Braggs Liquid Aminos, a pinch or so of powered onion and a pinch (or less) of powdered garlic. You can also add whatever herbs you like most - basil is often most popular. Gently mix all ingredients together.
Step 4: Add Lemon chicken style fried tofu. You can cut the slices up until strips, or cube them. Mix ingredients together or leave tofu on tofu.
Serving suggestions
Serve with a piece of toast and a glass of Cranxantini for a standalone meal or serve as a side with a full course meal.
