Dairy-free, gluten-free and vegan friendly, this salad is anything but boring. Sweet edamame, crunchy peanuts, spicy ginger and a savory Asian vinaigrette all mix together for a delightfully light yet satisfying salad. Filled with protein, healthy fat, and low glycemic carbohydrate, this dish is perfectly balanced to keep you energized throughout your busy workday. Plus, ginger is a great anti-inflammatory and can help to ease muscle pain and nausea, all the more reason to dig in!

Ingredients:

For the salad:

• 1 cup cooked and cooled quinoa
• 1 cup shredded green cabbage
• 1/3 cup edamame, defrosted
• 6 thinly sliced bell pepper rings (I prefer red, yellow or orange)
• 1 scallion, thinly sliced, white and light green parts only
• 1 tablespoon dry roasted peanuts, chopped
• Toasted sesame seeds, to garnish

For the dressing:

• 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
• 1 teaspoon tamari (or regular soy sauce)
• 3/4 teaspoon freshly grated ginger
• 3/4 teaspoon honey
• Pepper, to taste

Directions:

1. To make dressing: in a small bowl whisk together sesame oil, olive oil, rice vinegar, tamari, ginger, honey and a pinch of black pepper. Set aside.
2. In large bowl toss quinoa, cabbage, edamame, bell pepper, scallion, peanuts and a sprinkle of sesame seeds. Drizzle with vinaigrette and toss until all ingredients are combined. Drizzle with more sesame seeds, if desired. Serve at room temperature.

Makes 1 serving

Copyright Kameron Tunila (Food to Thrive)