Spinach & Feta Quinoa Salad

Brain Healthy Ingredients: Cruciferous vegetables & dark leafy greens, Garlic, Quinoa

Serves: 6

Protein-rich quinoa contains all of the essential amino acids, especially lysine, which may play a key role in regulating stress and anxiety. Spinach is also considered a superfood for the brain, and like other dark leafy greens, it offers lots of brain-boosting antioxidants and vitamins.

Use homemade vegetable broth for even more flavor.

Ingredients

• 1 Tbsp olive oil
• 1 small onion, chopped finely
• 2 cloves garlic, chopped finely
• 1 bunch spinach, roughly chopped
• 1 cup quinoa
• 2 cups vegetable broth (can substitute chicken broth or water)
• ¼ cup parsley, chopped
• ¼ cup dill, chopped
• ¼ cup crumbled feta
• Juice and zest of 1 lemon
• Salt and pepper

Preparation

1. Heat olive oil in a large sauté pan over medium high heat. Add the onion and sauté until translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
2. Add the garlic and sauté until fragrant, about a minute. Add the spinach and cook until it wilts, about 2-4 minutes.
3. Add quinoa, broth, parsley, and dill and season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer until the quinoa is tender, about 20 minutes.
4. Remove from heat. Add lemon juice and zest, and mix in the feta. Serve immediately.