Quinoa Salad

📝 Ingredients

• 2 cups of ricotta cheese (which can be replaced with plain yogurt)
• 1/2 cup finely chopped mint
• 1 tablespoon garam masala powder
• zest and juice of 1 lime
• 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 1 shallot (very finely chopped)
• 1 teaspoon chilly powder
• salt
• freshly cracked pepper
• 1 cup quinoa
• 1-1/4 cup water
• handful of cherry tomatoes (cut in half)
• handful of red grapes (cut in half)
• 1 medium size cucumber (cut into bite size)
• 1/4 cup dried cranberries (or any other dried fruit you prefer)
• 1/4 cup chopped cilantro for garnish

👨‍🍳 Instructions

1. 1--- For the dressing ---
2. 2In a mixing bowl, whisk everything except extra virgin olive oil.
3. 3Next, pour the extra virgin olive oil from top and whisk again until it creamy and smooth.
4. 4Taste for salt and add if required.
5. 5--- How to cook quinoa ---
6. 6Rinse the quinoa with cold water for a couple of times and then soak it in the cold water for 5 minutes.
7. 7Using a fine mesh strainer, strain the water.
8. 8Mix quinoa with 1-1/2 cup water and pinch of salt in a deep pan with a tight lid. Let it cook at high heat until the water starts boiling.
9. 9Then, lower the heat to medium, cover it with the tight lid and let it simmer until all the water is absorbed. It should take about 15-17 minutes.
10. 10Remove from heat and let it rest for 5 more minutes with the lid on.
11. 11Fluff quinoa gently with a fork.
12. 12--- Making the salad ---
13. 13In a serving bowl, lightly toss the cooked quinoa with the chopped vegetables.
14. 14Pour the dressing on top and toss once again.
15. 15Add some dried fruits, chopped cilantro and serve.