Quinoa, Mandarin and Spinach Salad

This very easy Quinoa, Mandarin and Spinach Salad will brighten even the dullest day.

I developed this recipe after being captivated by a stand of gorgeous, orange mandarins at Adelaide Central Market. Whilst I immediately enjoyed them in their fresh, natural state I felt that there must be a way to use them in a side dish and so this recipe evolved. This vibrant, flavoursome salad is ideal as a side dish or a healthy lunch. The base of the salad is quinoa, one of my favourite ingredients.

A little about Quinoa

In the culinary world, quinoa is something of a superstar. Quinoa, which is pronounced keen-wah, is a complete protein, which means that it is one of the few plant sources which contain all nine essential amino acids. As an added bonus it is naturally gluten-free.

Quinoa is an ancient grain which originated in Peru. It has been grown in South America for thousands of years.  It was cultivated by the Incas and was an important part of their diet.

Quinoa is now one of the most popular health foods. It has a number of nutritional benefits. In addition to being high in protein, it is also high in fibre and a good source of iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, zinc, copper, vitamin E, and a number of antioxidants.

Whilst quinoa is commonly referred to as a whole grain it is actually a seed and belongs to the same family as spinach, beets and Swiss chard.

Although there are many varieties of quinoa, the three most widely available are white, red and black. You can use the different colours interchangeably in recipes. However, you may prefer to use a particular colour to offset the food being served with it. The flavour and texture differences are, however, subtle.

·         White quinoa

White has the most delicate flavour; it is the most tender and cooks the fastest. The white quinoa will be fluffier than the other colours.

·         Red quinoa

Red has a slightly nuttier flavour than white and a slightly chewier texture.

·         Black quinoa

Black is slightly sweeter than white and also a little earthier. Black takes a little longer to cook and has a little more crunchy texture.

Ways in which to use Quinoa

Quinoa is a versatile ingredient, suitable to use in sweet or savoury dishes. For the health conscious, vegans and vegetarians it has become a nutritious substitute for rice, potatoes and pasta.

It is ideal as a side dish for many meals; it is delicious served alongside stews, braises, curries or a stir fry.  Additionally, try cooking it risotto-style making a high protein, more nutritious dish.

It is an ideal replacement for rice when making stuffed vegetables and provides additional nutrients and texture when added to soups and stews.

It makes a great base for salads, as used here and it makes fabulous vegetarian patties; the recipe is coming soon.

How to cook Quinoa

I begin by rinsing the quinoa before cooking. The grains are coated in a naturally occurring chemical called saponin. The chemical deters insects but it does have a bitter flavour. I place the quinoa in a fine mesh strainer and rinse vigorously under cold, running water, swishing the quinoa with my fingers. I then ensure that it is well drained.

I add 2 cups of water to a medium size saucepan, add the well-drained quinoa, bring to the boil then lower the heat and simmer, covered, for 8-10 minutes, until the seeds are tender. When they’re cooked you will notice they have little curly “tails”. There are, as mentioned above, slight differences in cooking times with the different varieties, with white cooking the fastest so you will need to judge for yourself. Further, times may vary depending on the age of the quinoa. I check the texture of the grain a few minutes before the suggested cooking time.

When the quinoa is to my liking I remove it from the heat, place a clean tea towel or 3 layers of paper towel over the saucepan, place the lid back on and stand 5 minutes. The tea towel/paper towel will absorb excess moisture. Turn the cooked quinoa into a bowl and leave to cool.

If cooking the quinoa for a side dish and you would like to add extra flavour you can cook it in stock instead of water and add herbs of your choice.

Some facts about Spinach

Quinoa is not the only superfood in this recipe. Further nutrients, colour and texture are obtained by adding baby spinach leaves. With its delicate flavour, tender texture and beautiful colour, baby spinach is an ideal addition to salads.

Spinach is low in calories and nutrient dense. It is an excellent source of vitamins A, B6, C and K along with iron, potassium and magnesium. Additionally, it contains a number of health-benefiting antioxidants and is a valuable source of dietary fibre.

A little about Mandarins

Mandarins, sometimes called mandarin oranges, are smaller members of the orange family. Other members of this group include tangerines and clementines.

Originating in Southeast Asia and China, their name derives from the public officials of the Chinese Imperial Court, the Mandarins, who wore long, orange robes.

Mandarins were originally enjoyed by the privileged classes. However, nowadays, thankfully, we can all enjoy their fragrance and sweet flavour.

Most mandarins have bright, orange skin. They are ideal for children to enjoy as they are easy to peel and their segments easily separated. There are a number of varieties, both seeded and seedless.

Further, they are a valuable source of Vitamins A and C along with potassium, magnesium, dietary fibre and health-benefiting antioxidants.

They are suitable to use in main courses, salads, baking and desserts.

How to make the salad

My Quinoa, Spinach and Mandarin salad is bursting with flavour. It is refreshing, colourful and is extremely good for you. This salad is perfect in that it is suitable for almost every diet being gluten-free and vegan.

It is simple to make; I begin by adding the cooked quinoa to a large bowl. I then add the sliced spring onions, spinach leaves and mandarin segments. I add the dressing, toss all the ingredients together, season to taste and then top with toasted flaked almonds and pomegranate arils.

Quinoa salads are ideal to customise. Add ingredients that you would like. Some great additions to quinoa are kale, apples, avocados or dried cranberries along with parsley or mint.

So make a big batch of this easy, nutritious salad; it will last for several days in the fridge. Please let me know in the comments below if you try this recipe.

Alex xx

P.S. Love Quinoa? Be sure to try some of these other delicious recipes:

• Quinoa Tabouli
• Sweet Potato and Quinoa Salad
• Moroccan Spiced Pumpkin and Quinoa Salad by The Foodie Journey