cherry quinoa salad

it is rare that i will post a recipe verbatim from the source, but this one is so good that i feel i should. however, i did alter it for a bbq this week to make it vegan by leaving the yogurt out. it was still delicious! also, i recommend steaming the cherries if you use dried. this will help bring some of the flavor into the salad that only fresh cherries can offer.

Spinach-Quinoa Salad with Cherries and Almonds

Vegetarian Times Issue: July 1, 2006

Ingredients

Serves 6

1/4 cup sliced almonds
1 1/2 cups quinoa, rinsed and drained
2 cups spinach leaves
2 cups fresh cherries, pitted and halved, or 1 cup dried cherries, chopped
1 cucumber, peeled, seeded and cut into 1/3-inch dice (about 1 1/2 cups)
1 15-oz. can chickpeas, rinsed and drained
1 small red onion, finely chopped (about 1/2 cup)
1/4 cup plain low-fat yogurt
3 Tbs. olive oil
2 Tbs. fresh lemon juice
2 cloves garlic, minced (about 2 tsp.)

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350F. Spread almonds on baking sheet, and toast 7 to 10 minutes, shaking pan occasionally, or until golden brown. Cool.

2. Bring 3 cups salted water to a boil in pot over medium-high heat. Stir in quinoa. Reduce heat to medium low, cover, and simmer 15 minutes, or until all liquid has been absorbed.

3. Remove from heat and cool, covered, in pot.

4. Lay 5 or 6 spinach leaves flat on top of one another on cutting board. Roll tightly into cylinder, then slice into slivers. Repeat with remaining spinach.

5. Toss together quinoa, almonds, spinach, cherries, cucumber, chickpeas and red onion in large serving bowl. Whisk together yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice and garlic in small bowl. Pour over salad, and toss to coat. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Chill 30 minutes to allow flavors to develop, then serve.

Nutrition InformaitonPer SERVING: Calories: 352, Protein: 11g, Total fat: 12g, Carbs: 52g, Cholesterol: 1mg, Sodium: 492mg, Fiber: 8g, Sugars: 10g