Sandwich Alternatives: Quinoa Salad

Usually, for lunch I have a packet of crisps, some cheese and a piece of fruit. So lazy, I know, but it's smack bang in the middle of the day and I find it gets in the way of whatever it is that I'm doing, and I just can't be bothered to make a sandwich. Plus, too much bread makes me bloat and gives me cramps.

However, now and again when I have a bit of time, I love to mix it up a bit and make a quinoa salad. It is super healthy, tasty and is great for those with gluten and wheat intolerances as quinoa is a complete protein and therefore easy to digest. It is packed with loads of super healthy things like iron and fibre; this is a super food you have to try. It is similar to cous cous and bulgur wheat, but I find the texture is much more pleasing, as it is cooked 'al dente'.

Recipe for Quinoa Salad

Ingredients:

• 1 cup of dried, uncooked quinoa
• 3 cups of vegetable stock made up - I used Bouillon
• Cherry tomatoes
• 2 spring onions
• Cucumber
• Feta cheese 
• Herbs of your choice - I used coriander
• Salt
• Pepper
• Squeeze of lemon juice
• 1 tbsp rapeseed oil 

N.B. Generally, the quantities can be increased or decreased according to taste, but to cook the quinoa correctly you must stick to the 1 cup of quinoa to 3 cups of stock quantities.  

1. Cook one cup of quinoa in the three cups of vegetable stock on a high heat for about 15 minutes.

2. Empty the cooked quinoa into a separate bowl. (If there is any excess liquid, drain it first).

3. Chop the herbs, cucumber, tomato and spring onion and put to one side.

4. In a separate small bowl, mix together the rapeseed oil and lemon juice. Season with salt and pepper.

5. Add the chopped salad and dressing into the cooked quinoa and stir well. Then, crumble as much or as little feta cheese into the mix as you like. Taste and season again if necessary.

6. Mmm. Zesty, flavoursome, healthy lunch.

What are your go to sandwich alternatives? If you want to make this you can add and take away any ingredients you like - it's easy and adaptable.