February 27, 2012 | Beans & Grains, Salads
During my recent sailing trip in the Caribbean, I was treated to a rainbow almost every single day. It’s not that it rained that much – in fact out of 12 days we only had 1 day where it actually rained. But as the small clouds float across the islands in the very south of the Caribbean, they drop a little mist now and then. You know, just gentle sprinkles for 20 seconds and then they’re gone. In the process, they produce the prettiest rainbows. I’m not sure I had ever seen a rainbow pierce right down into the lush green landscape like this one.
And certainly, here in Colorado, I never get to see one over the ocean with a gorgeous clipper ship sitting right next to it. So it is that the rainbows must have inspired me when I came home to make something brightly colored. And for whatever reason, I had a craving for quinoa.
Rainbow quinoa. A rainbow assortment of sweet peppers. A simple salad. It just seemed like the right thing to make.
Can I tell you that my husband even loved this? It’s simple, it’s delicious, and it’s a crowd-pleaser. I’ll be making it again for sure.
- 1 cup cooked quinoa, rainbow variety if available
- 1 sweet pepper, diced small, red, yellow or orange, or a mix
- ½ avocado, diced small
- 2 green onions, chopped small
- 2-4 tablespoons of your favorite vinaigrette (I used a sherry-mustard-shallot vinaigrette)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Combine all ingredients and stir gently together. Let stand for a few minutes for flavors to meld before serving.
I’m making this. Later today. So love quinoa and this recipe sounds so versatile; by itself, as a warm or cold weather side dish. So glad to be able to rely on you for my meal planning. Also cannot tell you how much I’m enjoying your vacation photos. A great dose of ‘arm chair travel’! Thank you.
Where do you find quinoa in the store? I’ve looking in the bean/rice isle and walk through the bulk but haven’t seen it.
Susan, quinoa is usually sold in the health food aisle of the store – in our local store that’s alongside the bulk food section, but it may be different in your store. You may also be able to actually find it in bulk as well to save a bit!