Ingredients

  • Dressing:
  • 2 cups of ricotta cheese (which can be replaced with plain yogurt)
  • 1/2 cup finely chopped mint
  • 1 tablespoon garam masala powder
  • zest and juice of 1 lime
  • 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 shallot, very finely chopped
  • 1 teaspoon chilly powder
  • salt
  • freshly cracked pepper
  • Salad:
  • 1 cup quinoa
  • 1-1/4 cup water
  • handful of cherry tomatoes, cut in half
  • 1/2 red pepper, sauteed
  • 1/4 cup chopped parsley for garnish

Method

  • Dressing:
  • In a mixing bowl, whisk everything except extra virgin olive oil.
  • Next, pour the extra virgin olive oil from top and whisk again until it creamy and smooth.
  • Taste for salt and add if required.
  • Salad:
  • Rinse the quinoa with cold water for a couple of times and then soak it in the cold water for 5 minutes.
  • Using a fine mesh strainer, strain the water.
  • Mix quinoa with 1-1/2 cup water and pinch of salt in a deep pan with a tight lid. Let it cook at high heat until the water starts boiling.
  • Then, lower the heat to medium, cover it with the tight lid and let it simmer until all the water is absorbed. It should take about 15-17 minutes.
  • Remove from heat and let it rest for 5 more minutes with the lid on.
  • Fluff quinoa gently with a fork.
  • In a serving bowl, lightly toss the cooked quinoa with the chopped vegetables.
  • Pour the dressing on top and toss once again.
  • Garnish with parsley.
  • Notes:
  • A different version of the same salad can be to substitute quinoa with couscous.
  • If you can't find ricotta or don't like ricotta, you can always replace it with plain yogurt.