Quinoa & Chickpea Salad with Feta & Herbs

As I packed up my youngest son's room this weekend preparing for his move to Seattle, I found myself lingering on the memories of his childhood. His little model airplane hanging in the corner of his room, school recognition awards line the wall, and a box of Legos remains tucked under his bed. He grew up, but in many ways, his room still reflects the passions of a little boy. I'm having a difficult time thinking of turning his room into a guest bedroom. For now it will remain a shrine to an era gone by. How quickly those years flew.

I called my mother and told her what a difficult time I was having letting go; my baby moving to Seattle to start his life without his parents. My mom was compassionate as she listened to me and then near the end of our conversation she said, "Honey, give it time. I love you and your siblings, but I wouldn't want you back home. You'll get use to it." I guess I will.

This I know, we've raised him well and he's ready for the world. It's time to let him soar.

Quinoa & Chickpea Salad with Feta & Herbs

Quinoa is a wonderful tiny grain that contains more protein than any other grain. It was a main staple for the Inca Indians dating back thousands of years. Known as the mother grain or super grain of the future, quinoa is gluten free and simple to make. Enjoy this light, delicious salad made with quinoa and chickpeas (also known as garbanzo beans).


1 cup quinoa
1 (15 oz) can of chicken broth
1 (15 oz) can of low sodium chickpeas drained and rinsed
1 cup grape tomatoes sliced in half
1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
2 scallions thinly chopped (stalks included)
1/4 cup chopped parsley
1/4 cup chopped basil

2 Tablespoons Olive Oil
2 Tablespoons fresh squeezed lemon juice
1 teaspoon lemon zest
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

(Rinse quinoa in a cheese cloth or sieve until water runs clean.)

Place quinoa in a pan and add can of chicken broth. 

Bring to a boil and place a tight fitting lid over pan. Reduce heat to low and simmer 

for 15 minutes or until all liquid is absorbed. Remove from heat and let cool.

Chop scallions, parsley, and basil. Slice tomatoes in half and set aside. 

When quinoa is completely cool add olive oil, fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, salt and pepper.

Add in chopped vegetables, feta cheese, chickpeas and herbs. 

Stir until well blended. Serve cold.

Oriental Chicken Pasta Salad

This is a delicious cold salad to enjoy on a warm summer evening. Enjoy!

Oriental Chicken Pasta Salad

1/4 cup sesame seeds

1 16 oz package of gluten free penne pasta

1/3 cup olive oil

1/3 cup gluten free soy sauce

1/3 cup rice vinegar

1 tsp. sesame oil

3 Tbsp. brown sugar

1 tsp. fresh grated ginger

1/2 tsp. freshly ground black pepper

3 cups chopped cooked chicken breast meat

1/3 cup chopped fresh cilantro

1/3 cup chopped green onions

Directions:

Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add sesame seeds and cook, 

stirring frequently until lightly toasted. Remove from heat.

Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. 

Add pasta and cook per directions on package. 

Drain pasta and rinse under cold water. 

Place in a large bowl.

In a bowl, add olive oil, soy sauce, rice vinegar, 

sesame oil, and brown sugar.

Add the grated ginger and black pepper. 

Whisk until well blended.

Add chicken, cilantro, and green onions. 

Pour over pasta and stir until evenly coated. 

Add toasted sesame seeds and gently stir. 

Serve cold. Enjoy!