Weekend Company {Guest Blogger Lauren}

Good Morning EMM-ers! I hope you had a fantastic week and are ready for some fun and relaxation this weekend. I know our family is! Thanks for joining myself and my guest, Lauren, in my kitchen today. I'm excited to have her share this yummy recipe with you. I have been wanting to try quinoa for some time and now I have exactly the recipe to do so! Ya'll know how much I love anything with avocado in it! Without further adieu, please welcome her to EMM...

 I am a recipe developer, food blogger and the staff Nutritionist at The Bar Method in Montclair, NJ where I offer workshops and individualized counseling.   After receiving my Masters Degree in Nutritional Sciences, I received my nutrition certification.   I began blogging in early 2012 and love to share my healthy and delicious recipes with all of my followers.  I've had the honor of being featured in SHAPE magazine twice http://www.shape.com/healthy-eating/diet-tips/best-and-worst-foods-bikini-body?page=6 (page 6,7 and 8) for tips on the best and worst foods to eat and for creative quinoa recipes http://www.shape.com/healthy-eating/cooking-ideas/10-new-ways-eat-quinoa?page=5(page 5 and 10 are my recipes and pictures).  I was featured in an article in The Alternative Press about balancing healthy lifestyles and being a mother http://thealternativepress.com/articles/7-moms-who-bite-off-almost-more-than-they-can-c.  And recently, Guiliana Rancic’s website, www.FabFitFun.com featured one of my healthy recipes http://fabfitfun.com/recipe-healthy-empanadas.  I live in Westfield, NJ with my husband and three little men.  I feel lucky to have such a wonderful family and work my dream job.

 This salad is my favorite salad! I love the cilantro lime vinaigrette with the beans and vegetables.  I like to make it the night before so all the flavors soak in.  Every time I bring it somewhere, someone is always asking for the recipe!

Quinoa is the latest “superfood” these days.  I love it.  It’s so versatile and can be used in so many different ways.  Quinoa is loaded with magnesium, iron and calcium.  It is the only grain to have all nine essential amino acids which also makes it the only one to be a complete protein.  It is low calorie, has a lot of fiber and is also gluten free which is perfect for those with gluten sensitivities.

Avocados are packed with fiber, potassium, Vitamin E, B vitamins and folic acid.  They also have monounsaturated fats (healthy fats) which help to lower blood cholesterol.

Black beans are also packed with fiber and protein as well.  Tomatoes have antioxidants and Vitamin A and C in them.

What happens when you put all of these nutrition powerhouses together??? One delicious, healthy salad!

Quinoa Avocado Tomato Corn and Black Bean Salad with Cilantro Lime Vinaigrette Adapted from allrecipes.com 

For the salad:

• 1.5 cups uncooked quinoa
• 3 cups water
• Two 15-ounce cans black beans, rinsed and drained
• One box (14 oz) of frozen corn, defrosted
• 2 avocados, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch pieces
• 1-2 pints grape tomatoes, halved ( I used 1 1/2)

1. Cook quinoa with the water according to package directions. Let cool to room temperature.
2. Combine beans, corn, avocado, and tomatoes. Toss with cooled quinoa.

For the dressing:

• 1 clove garlic
• 1/4 cup grapeseed oil
• 3/4 teaspoon minced fresh ginger root
• 1/4 cup fresh lime juice
• zest of one lime
• 2 teaspoons balsamic vinegar
•  salt to taste
• 1/4 cup fresh packed cilantro leaves (optional if you don’t like cilantro)

Mix all ingredients together in a small bowl.   Pour dressing over salad.  Let refrigerate for several hours or even overnight.  Makes 8 servings.  Enjoy, it really is THAT good!

Nutrition Facts
Serving Size 1/8 of salad
Amount Per Serving
Calories 298 Calories from Fat 147
Total Fat 16.4g
Saturated Fat 1.9g
Trans Fat 0.0g
Cholesterol 0mg
Sodium 53mg
Total Carbohydrates 36.5g
Dietary Fiber 7.6g
Sugars 2.5g
Protein 7.2g
*Nutritional information provided by www.caloriecount.com, not 100% guaranteed accurate

Blog: www.laurenkellynutrition.com

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