Quinoa Salad with Tandoori Salmon

Quinoa falls under ancient grains and is quickly gaining popularity because of its high content of protein, beats all other grains in the market. Depending on everyone's taste palate using quinoa, you can make dishes as per your liking. Here I made a simple salad with tandoori marinated salmon fish. The combo goes very well and gives your soul a satisfying feeling :) If you have not tried it before, dont wait, try it now:)

Here is the recipe:

Ingredients:
For Quinoa Salad-

• 1 cup quinoa
• 7-8 cherry tomatoes
• 1/2 med size sliced onion
• 1/2 med size any colored bell pepper sliced (I like to use those mini peppers- 2)
• handful cilantro or parsley
• 1/2 lemon juice
• salt/pepper as per taste
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 2-3 tsp oil

For Tandoori Salmon-

• tandoori masala 2 tbsp *
• 1 tsp oil
• salt to taste ( if the masala already has salt in it, skip it )
• 1 tsp lemon juice
• salmon filet 4 (approx 3 inch each)
• Oil to fry the fish

Preparation:

• Marinate the fish with oil, tandoori masala, salt and lemon juice for 15 minutes atleast.
• In a shallow frying pan, add little oil, place the fillet on medium heat with skin side up and fry for 3-4 minutes. Turn over add little more oil and fry till cooked, maybe another 3-4 minutes.  Just fork it and see if done, it should be fleshy and pink color turns white...your fish fry is done.
• Take 1 cup quinoa, wash and rinse like any other grains. 
• In a pan add 2 cups water, quinoa and few drops of oil.
• Cook without lid till it comes to a boil, then cover with lid, simmer the gas and let it cook for 15 minutes. Switch off the gas, fork it to fluff and let it sit for few more minutes.
• In another pan, heat oil, add onion, saute it quickly, now add all other veggies and quickly saute it, add garlic pwd, pepper, salt. Quickly stir and add the cooked quinoa in it. Mix everything together and squeeze lemon juice. Start plating and enjoy your healthy meal!!

NjoY!!
*Notes: Tandoori Masala packets are found in market everywhere, not hard to find. I make home made tandoori masala when using in large quantities, for small amount I stick with Shaan or Everest packets. You can also add your choice of vegetables in quinoa like mushrooms, carrots, cucumber etc.


Nutrition Facts: Quinoa is a great grain to keep in your pantry these days. If you want to cut on rice, it makes a great substitute. Loaded with nutrients and protein content, it was termed as No 1 grain. You can use it in soups, salads, make upma, use in dosa batter etc. It's originally from south america and is available in market everywhere. It also comes in various colors.
Salmon, who doesnt know the benefits of salmon? :) It has earned a reputation as a healthy supportive food with good amounts of omega 3 fatty acid content which helps in cardiovascular problems, helpful in joint protection, eye benefits etc.