Skip to main content

Quinoa Orange, Cherry, Mint and Cashew Recipe - Vegetarian and Vegan

I'm in Love! This is for all the quinoa lovers out there. This has to be my favorite sweet quinoa dish of all times.  It can be eaten cold as a salad, main dish, or as a warm side dish. Perfect for the summer time, but I will definitely be eating this all year around.  This healthy recipe was inspired by a homemade quinoa salad I purchased at a local farmers market.  The flavors mixed together so beautifully that I had to hold back in finishing the whole thing.  It's completely vegetarian and vegan with little to no salt at all.  It makes up a complete protein, while also providing healthy fats, and a superb amount of antioxidants from the dark cherries.  Even my 15 month old loved it!



Here is the recipe I came up with.  It's always nice when you can use some of the foods right from your own yard. I used a fresh orange off my tree and lots of fresh mint.  Yummy!

1 cup of Quinoa  (inca red or regular)
3/4 fresh squeezed orange juice
1.5 cups of Water ( I used my alkaline water )
2 Tbs of chopped Orange zest
1/4 cup of chopped fresh mint
1/4 cup of raw organic cashews (cut in pieces)*
1/4 cup of unsweetened dried cherries (cut in pieces, they will plump up at the end)

In a pot bring quinoa, fresh orange juice, and water to a boil.  Reduce heat, simmer, and cover for 15-20 minutes.  Stir and fluff occasionally.  Half way through add lightly chopped unsweetened dried cherries and stir well then cover again.  The cherries will plump out nicely.  The quinoa is finished when the liquid is all absorbed.  Add cashews* while quinoa is still hot and stir well.

Once quinoa cools add the fresh mint and orange zest. Stir very well.  Place in refrigerator or start eating right away!

* Cashews can be lightly toasted. Just place on tin foil in the toaster oven. Spray with Olive Oil and toast lightly.


 I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.  I encourage comments and feedback.

Comments

linds. said…
definitely gonna try this one... i'm not a very good cook tho, so cross your fingers!! seems simple enough even for me tho ;-)
Lauren Brooks said…
Lindsey, I have full faith in you that you can do this. If I can do it you can. ;-) Let me know how it goes.
g. said…
Lauren, are you now following an all vegan diet or just incorporating more vegan dishes into your diet?
Lauren Brooks said…
g.

I'm not a vegetarian. I do enjoy having many vegan and vegetarian dishes. I just like to have lots of options without having to rely fully on animal sources for my protein. It's all about the happy balance.
Jammison said…
Thanks Lauren, I am going to try it right now! I just made some delicious 3 pepper hummus.....so delicious! Cooking spree continues :) xoxo
Sonnenschein said…
Lauren, this is a great recipe and I love all the recipes you are posting here! Do you have a recommendation concerning a book on nutrition that you think is helpful (I have read so much controverse stuff on it, I am confused...!).
Thank you very much!

Most Popular Posts

21 Day Squat Challenge - #21DaysOfSquats

Welcome to the 5th Annual Squat Challenge!  Updated for JANUARY 1, 2020 **We are SWITCHING things up this year** Why Squat?  Squats are one of the most beneficial exercises to practice. I could sit here and tell you how squatting makes you stronger, more conditioned, firms your legs and butt, improves digestion, increases energy and mood, but I'm sure you know the endless amount of benefits. A few people who've participated in the past squat challenges chose to share their experiences which I've shared below.  So let's just get to squatting! Beginners are welcomed! Join our Challenge Today completely FREE  here  and read the easy rules below on how to win one year free access to Lauren's Playground.  Do you plan on doing more than the Squat Challenge? If you want a workout plan... hundreds of people in Lauren's Playground will be doing programs like Upper Body Bliss and the Tushy Toning Transformation in conjunction with the 21 Day Sq

What Doctor's don't tell you after a C-section

I have now been through 2 C-sections since writing this blog post and thankfully I've recovered beautifully from both with the appropriate progressions. For those who are new and are just finding me. WELCOME! First let me say I did NOT want a C-section. I did everything in my power to avoid the first and even the second. I'm a kettlebell fitness strength and conditioning coach who relies on her body to share, teach, educate, and I was under the impression that having to give birth via C-section would and could destroy my body and career. Boy was I wrong! If you're feeing the same way, start by reading this article I wrote many years ago that still applies today! Many people have asked and here is part of my experience.  I don't claim to be a medical expert but not only have I successfully healed my C-section, my abdominals are no longer numb, and I've successfully helped others who've had multiple C-sections (even some 20 years ago) find their core aga