Broccoli and Snap Pea Quinoa Salad with Goat Cheese

I added Boyz II Men station to my Pandora last night.  It is a-w-e-s-o-m-e. 

I love Boyz II Men.  So do you…don’t lie.  Lying to yourself isn’t healthy.  Just admit you love Boyz II Men.  There, feel better?  I knew you would.  🙂 

I don’t know why it took me so long to add Boyz II Men.  I think I had forgotten about them, for a nanosecond that is.  I love me some MoTown Philly…back again. End of the Road, love it!   How about Water Runs Dry…Actually I like their version of Yesterday, and I don’t like remakes.  I normally despise them.  I like exceptions to my rules. 

What is your crazy, guilty pleasure on Pandora?  Tell me.  I know you have one.  Everyone does! 

So Boyz II Men and quinoa salad have nothing in common and there is no clean transition to be had from Boyz II Men to quinoa salad.  So, lets just jump.  On three…one, two, thr…wait, wait, wait – do we jump on three or after three?  I like jumping on three.  One, two, jump!

Quinoa salad.  Never have a quinoa salad?  Well, that is about to change.  This isn’t a salad full of leafy green rabbit food.  Nope, not here.  Now,  if you would like to add some arugala to the mix…be my guest.  It would add a nice peppery bite to the mix.  However, sometimes, though I don’t want leafy green salads, but instead I want bright, crisp vegetables along with a light vinaigrette with tangy goat cheese.  Mix in some protein packed quinoa and almonds and you have on hell of a healthy salad – no rabbit food included.  That is a glorious thing…eating healthy and nutritiously without realizing it. 

This stuff is good…seriously good. 

Broccoli and Snap Pea Quinoa Salad

Serves 4 to 6

Ingredients

• 2 Cups Quinoa – dry
• 4 Cups Chicken or Vegetable Broth, or Water
• 1/4 Cup to 1/3 Cup Vinaigrette – your favorite, I like Garlic Expressions or Balsamic Vinaigrettes
• 1 Pint Cherry Tomatoes
• 3 Cups Broccoli Florets
• 3 Cups Snap Peas
• 10 ounce Frozen Peas
• 1 Cup Slivered Almonds
• 6 ounces Goat Cheese, crumbled
• Salt

Directions

In a medium saucepan, mix together chicken/vegetable/water with dry quinoa.  Put quinoa and water in medium saucepan and bring to boil.  Reduce heat to simmer, cover and cook until all water is absorbed (10-15 minutes). When done, the grain appears translucent and the germ ring will be visible. Fluff with a fork.  Set aside

Bring a large pan of salted water to a boil.  Prepare a large bowl of iced water.  Add broccoli, snap peas, and peas to boiling water and cook for 1 minute.  Remove from water and place directly in ice bath.  Drain once cooled. 

In a large serving dish/bowl toss together – cooked quinoa, broccoli, snap peas, peas, tomatoes, almonds, goat cheese.  Dress with vinaigrette.  Serve.  Enjoy!