Did you know quinoa is rich in protein, fiber and B vitamins? This recipe is full of flavor and has a delicious tahini dressing that pairs well with the roasted veggies. One serving of this salad provides 10 grams of fiber, which is 1/3 of our daily recommended intake!
Ingredients
For the veggies:
4 medium carrots (or 3 large), cut in half lengthwise and then cut into 2 inch segments/chunks
2 cups small to medium cauliflower florets
1 tablespoon avocado oil or olive oil
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper, if you like a little heat
Freshly ground salt and pepper
For the quinoa:
¾ cup quinoa
1 ⅔ cups water
For the salad mix-ins:
⅓ cup diced green onion
⅓ cup cilantro
⅓ cup flat leaf parsley
⅓ cup chopped pitted Medjool dates (or sub dried cherries)
1/3 cup shelled roasted and salted pistachios (or use roasted almonds)
¾ cup thawed frozen peas, optional
For the dressing:
Sunshine Dressing Recipe https://www.ambitiouskitchen.com/sunshine-dressing/
3 tablespoons drippy tahini
½ lemon, juiced (about 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice)
1 tablespoon pure maple syrup
1-2 teaspoons fresh grated ginger
½ teaspoon ground turmeric
¼ teaspoon garlic powder
¼ teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
Freshly ground black pepper
1-2 tablespoons warm water, to thin dressing
In a medium bowl, mix together the tahini, lemon juice, maple syrup, ginger, turmeric, garlic powder and salt and pepper. Add 2-3 tablespoons of warm water to thin out the dressing so that it’s pourable. Taste and add more salt and pepper if necessary.
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Line a large pan with parchment paper and add carrots and cauliflower; drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with cumin, turmeric, garlic powder, cayenne and salt and pepper. Toss well to combine and coat the veggies with the oil and spices. Roast for 25-30 minutes or until carrots and cauliflower are tender and golden; flip veggies halfway through to ensure even roasting.
While the veggies are roasting, you can cook your quinoa: add in quinoa and water to a medium pot and bring mixture to a boil, then cover, reduce heat to low and cook for exactly 15 minutes. After 15 minutes, remove from heat and fluff quinoa with a fork, then replace the lid and allow quinoa to steam for 5-10 more minutes.
Once quinoa is done cooking, add to a large bowl, then add in the roasted carrots and cauliflower, green onion, cilantro, parsley, chopped dates, pistachios and peas.
Make the sunshine dressing: in a medium bowl, mix together the tahini, lemon juice, maple syrup, ginger, turmeric, garlic powder and salt and pepper. Add 2-3 tablespoons of warm water to thin out the dressing so that it’s nice and pourable. Taste and add more salt and pepper if necessary.
Pour dressing over the salad and mix well to combine. Serves 4 as a main meal, 6 as a side.
Nutrition Information
Servings: 4 servings
Serving size: 1 serving (based on 4)
Calories: 391; Fat: 16.2g; Saturated fat: 1.9g; Carbohydrates: 55g; Fiber: 10g; Sugar: 18.7g; Protein: 12.2g
Printable recipe available at: https://www.ambitiouskitchen.com/cauliflower-quinoa-salad/
