Spring Quinoa Salad

So I'm just going to be truthful.  I'm not a big salad person.  Unless it's like a buffalo chicken salad with fried chicken and a zillion other unhealthy additions.

But I am trying.  So that counts for something, right?

I made this spring quinoa salad as more of a side dish or a "bed" for other things, like a protein and / or avocado (because everything is better with avocado).  It's got some yummy roasted asparagus and steamed kale and brussel sprouts, and a nice tang of goat cheese.  The dressing is super simple as well!

Spring Quinoa Salad
3 Servings - 4 Smartpoints

1/2 lb. asparagus
1 tsp. extra virgin olive oil
1 cup cooked quinoa
10 oz bag of kale and brussel sprouts mixture, steamed (or any green you like!)
40 gm. crumbled goat cheese

Dressing
2 tbsp. white wine vinegar
2 tsp. Dijon mustard
salt and pepper to taste

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.  Chop asparagus and coat with olive oil.  Roast for about 8-10 minutes (or until done).  Let cool.

Steam bag of brussel sprouts and kale, let cool.   Combine dressing ingredients, whisk until combined.

Combine asparagus, greens, and quinoa in bowl. Toss with dressing until combined.  Sprinkle goat cheese into salad.

Evenly divide among 3 plates.  Top with your favorite toppings (I did grilled chicken and avocado!)

Two Fabulous Snack Finds!

Let's start with this.  If you like Sweet Chili Doritos?  You will legit love these.  They are AMAZING!  Crunchy with both a sweetness and a kick!  I found them at Whole Foods but you can also order them online.  There are also other flavors, but these spoke to me.  They are 4 Smartpoints per serving.

Another Whole Foods find below!  These are seriously delish if you need a savory snack.   Cheesy and salty and spicy and crunchy.  Moreso, they are organic and have a great ingredient list!  Another 4 Smartpoints per serving snack!  You can also order them online.

These pair great with a piece of fruit or some veggies for a really filling and healthy snack!

Cauliflower Crust

Yummmmm.

True story.  I have wanted to try this forever.  But I just....well I just didn't.

So I finally did and it was delicious, but it wasn't quite right.

So I tested and tested and finally found the one I truly LOVE! 

If you aren't familiar with cauliflower crust,  I will give this one warning.  It's not a pick up and eat it like pizza crust - at least not this one.  It was a little "wetter" in the middle, but it was so delicious I couldn't have cared less.

I topped it like pizza, natch, but then also did some avocado and a fried egg for a breakfast pizza.  That was my actual favorite.

Cauliflower Crust
Serves 1, Smartpoints = 2

1 cup cooked rice cauliflower
1 tbsp. egg whites
3 tbsp. (15 grams) grated parmesan cheese
cracked black paper

Preheat over to 400.  Place the cooked cauliflower rice in a clean dish towel and squeeze, to get out any excess water.

Combine all the ingredients in a bowl.  Spray a cookie sheet with nonstick spray.  Form into a thin, even crust.

Bake for 15 minutes.



 

More Smartpoint Recipe Updates!

A couple of side dishes :)

Maple Bacon Brussel Sprouts: 4 Smartpoints / serving
Chickpea and Veggie Paprika: 3 Smartpoints / serving


More updates soon!