Citrus, Quinoa, and Spinach Salad

First of all, happy new year everyone! Sorry for the long blog hiatus. Things have been busy around here with friends and a particular Kiwi visiting. While I'm getting things back on track, here's a great recipe to start your new year off to a somewhat healthy start!

This recipe is from Sunset magazine and was actually a side for our Christmas dinner this year(my aunt is the queen of great salad recipe finds!). It was delicious by itself but would go swimmingly with some seared salmon over top. Yum! 

 My local produce store was out of baby spinach so I grabbed a huge bundle that was covered in dirt! Oh the luxury of bagged lettuce. If you run into the same problem I did, just rinse it thoroughly in a large colander under cold water. Spread it out on some towels to drain. When you're ready to assemble, tear the bigger leaves into more mouth-manageable sizes by hand. 

I slice my green onions on an angle for a pretty presentation.

Citrus, Quinoa, and Spinach Salad by Sunset Magazine
Ingredients:
1/2 cup quinoa
zest and juice of half a lemon
1 1/2 tablespoons olive oil
1/2 teaspoon red chili flakes
pinch of kosher salt and pepper
6 ounces baby spinach
1/4 sliced green onions
1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese

Directions:

Cook quinoa according to package directions. 

Meanwhile, mix together the lemon zest, juice, oil, chili flakes, salt and pepper in a large bowl. 

Add spinach and green onions then add the warm cooked quinoa. Toss to combine and sprinkle the feta on top. 

Here's to the start of a fabulous new year. Wishing you health and happiness and many good meals to come!