Mary Sue Milliken and Susan Feniger

Border Grill - Mandalay Bay

Border Grill Quinoa Salad

Quinoa, a "new" ingredient that has been around for thousands of years, is a tiny, high-protein grain from South America. It's nicknamed the "wonder grain" because it cooks more quickly than rice, is virtually foolproof, and is lighter and more nutritious than other grains.

Serves 6 to 8

12 cups water
1 1/2 cups quinoa, rinsed
5 pickling cucumbers, peeled, ends trimmed, and cut into 1/4-inch cubes
1 small red onion, cut into 1/4-inch cubes
1 large tomato, cored, seeded, and diced
1 bunch Italian parsley leaves, chopped
2 bunches mint leaves, chopped
1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
1/4 cup red wine vinegar
juice of 1 lemon
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
3/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
6 romaine lettuce leaves
1 avocado, peeled, seeded and sliced, for garnish

Bring the water to a boil in a large saucepan. Add the quinoa, stir once, and return to a boil. Cook uncovered, over moderate heat for 12 minutes. Strain and rinse well with cold water, shaking the sieve well to remove all moisture.

When dry, transfer the quinoa to a large bowl. Add the cucumbers, onion, tomato, parsley, mint, olive oil, vinegar, lemon juice, salt, and pepper and toss well. Serve on lettuce-lined plates, topped with avocado slices.

Copyright © 2005, Mary Sue Milliken and Susan Feniger

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