This is colorful and easy to make. This smoked paprika gives it a smoky and unusual flavor.
1-1/2 cups quinoa, rinsed, drained
4 cups (packed) baby spinach leaves
2 (15- to 16-ounce) cans garbanzo beans (chickpeas), rinsed, drained
1-3/4 cups unpeeled English cucumbers, cut into 1/3 inch cubes
1 (1-pint) container multicolored baby heirloom tomatoes, halved (2 1/2 cups) or regular grape tomatoes
1 cup (packed) fresh mint leaves
1/4 cup red wine vinegar
2-1/2 teaspoons smoked paprika (use the McCormick brand or another brand that naturally smokes the paprika)
1/2 cup olive oil
Place quinoa in large saucepan; add enough salted water to cover quinoa by 1 inch. Bring to boil. Reduce heat to medium-low; cover and simmer until quinoa is tender, 15 to 16 minutes. Drain. Chill until cool.
Meanwhile, combine spinach leaves, garbanzos, cubed cucumber, halved tomatoes, and mint leaves in extra-large bowl. Add cooled quinoa and toss gently to blend.
Whisk vinegar and smoked paprika in small bowl. Gradually whisk in oil. Season dressing with salt and pepper. Pour dressing over salad; toss to coat. Season generously with salt and pepper.
Like quinoa? Try this quinoa recipe too, Quinoa Salad with Edamame
Not a big fan of quinoa, what can I use in it’s place rice or orzo?
Try it with brown rice or a brown and white rice combination. Orzo would work well too. The smoky dressing will adhere to any small starch. Let us know how it comes out.
I used the quinoa. In the past when I have made quinoa it is to crunchy, that is why I do not prefer it. However, in this recipe I followed directions on how to cook the quinoa . It was just fantastic, with a much better texture! very unique, delicious recipe!