Quinoa and Green Bean Salad

Quinoa is a great grain. It’s naturally gluten free, packed with protein and full of dietary fibre. These tiny little power balls also have lots of calcium and vitamins. They are a real superfood. Not only are they so good for you but they are really tasty too. I’m making a quinoa and green bean salad to take into the office for a mid day pick up.

Quinoa is really easy to cook, pop the grain directly into a pan full of boiling water, turn down the heat and simmer for approximately 15 minutes. When cooked drain and leave to stand to cool down.

I could eat green beans all day and I think that steamed, crunchy green beans go down a treat in this quinoa salad. Before steaming I chop the green beans and then steam for just 30 seconds in a microwave steamer.

Chopped black olives and cucumber add more crunch and texture to this salad and I like to serve with a drizzle of balsamic glaze (and yes I’ve drizzled in a heart shape). When I tuck into this salad at lunch time in the office I always get jealous looks from colleagues with crusty sandwiches. Being much healthier makes you much happier.