Quinoa Salad with Fresh Peaches and Herbs

I’m hooked on the light, fluffy whole grain, quinoa.  Blame it on the fabulous N.Y. Times food writer, Martha Rose Shulman (if blame must be placed), who recently featured this protein-packed whole grain in her Recipes for Health column. If you haven’t been following Ms. Shulman before now, check out her column for its nutritional information and recipes centered on fresh, seasonal and healthy food.

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Quinoa Salad with Fresh Plums and Herbs

This recipe was inspired by Heidi Swanson’s fabulous cookbooks, Super Natural Cooking and Super Natural Every Day. Feel free to substitute other seasonal fruit for the plums – peaches would be superb. This salad shows off the bounty of even the most modest herb garden. Try adding chives, parsley, arugula or cilantro to the mix.

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Confetti Slaw


A fresh head of cabbage calls for a spin on cole slaw with a light vinaigrette dressing. Feel free to vary the flavors by adding other crisp raw veggies in quantities that suit your tastes – shredded fennel, broccoli or spinach would be lovely.

Ingredients:

  • One small (or half large) head of green cabbage
  • 2 carrots, shredded using large holes on box grater
  • 1 small red onion, thinly sliced in half rounds
  • ½ red bell pepper, thinly sliced into 1 inch long pieces
  • ½ yellow bell pepper, thinly sliced into 1 inch long pieces
  • ½ cup fresh cilantro, finely chopped
  • ½ cup arugula, roughly chopped
  • ¼ cup raw pepitas (pumpkin seeds)
  • 5 Tbsp fruity extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 Tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • 1 Tbsp fresh lemon juice
  • Salt and freshly ground pepper

Method:

  1. Place olive oil, vinegar and lemon juice in a small, clean jar, screw on lid and shake to combine.
  2. Toast pepitas in a dry pan on medium heat. Watch carefully and shake pan frequently to turn seeds as they toast. Remove from pan when seeds begin to lightly brown. Set aside to cool.
  3. With a sharp knife, shred cabbage very thinly into 3-inch strips about ¼ inch wide. Place into a large serving bowl. Add carrots, onion, peppers, cilantro and pepitas. Toss with enough dressing to coat. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and add more dressing as needed. Save any unused dressing for another salad. Serve immediately.

Strawberry and Spinach Salad

This simple salad is elegant and unusual but quick to prepare.  Serve it at a party and your guests will be impressed.  Substitute lettuce if you prefer, for the fresh spinach or throw in some arugula for a nice bite.  Try adding other seasonal berries such as blackberries or raspberries.  Sometimes I substitute toasted pepitas (pumpkin seeds) for a nutritious and different crunch.

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