Cucumber Quinoa Salad With Mint
Cucumber Quinoa Salad with Mint is an exemplary dish for pacifying Pitta as it is cool, fresh and lightly spiced. It combines the cooling qualities of cucumber and mint along with protein rich quinoa making it a refreshing and nutritious choice for those looking to balance their pitta dosha.
Cooking Time – 25-30 minutes
Ingredients –
* 1 cup – Quinoa (Rinsed)
* 2 cups – Water
* 1 cup – Cucumber (diced)
* 1/2 cup – Fresh Mint leaves (chopped)
* 1/4 – Fresh Parsley (chopped)
* 1/4 cup – Fresh lemon Juice
* 2 tablespoon – Olive oil
* Salt to taste
* 1 Avocado (diced) – optional
* 1/4 cup Pomegranate seeds – optional
* 1/4 cup – Toasted pine Nuts
Instructions –
* Boil quinoa with water in a medium saucepan and then let it simmer for 15-20 minutes until the quinoa is cooked and water is absorbed. Then turn off the flame and let it cool down.
* In a bowl combine cooled quinoa, cucumber, mint, parsley, avocado (optional) and pomegranate seeds (optional).
* Prepare the dressing by combining lemon juice, olive oil and salt and whisk it together.
* Pour the dressing over the quinoa mixture and toss well.
* Sprinkle the pine nuts from top.
* Serve the salad chilled for best flavour and optimal effect on Pitta.
Nutritional Benefits –
* Quinoa is a complete source of protein.
* Both qunioa cucumber and mint are rich in vitamin A,C and K.
* Quinoa is a good source of magnesium, iron and manganese.
* The cooling effect of cucumber and mint counteract the heat of Pitta.
* Lemon juice pacifies pitta by its sweet post digestive effect and brings a freshness to overall recipe.
