This variation takes its inspiration from the Middle East, with a layer of herbs, a sprinkling of toasted spices, and a yogurt dressing.
Makes 10 servings
Prep time: 40 minutes
Ingredients
For the salad
- 2 cups quinoa, rinsed
- 5 cups water
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 1 medium head iceberg lettuce, cored and cut into bite-size pieces
- 4 cups fresh herb leaves, such as mint, parsley, cilantro, tarragon, and dill, roughly chopped (the more variety, the better)
- 1 bunch red radishes (about 10), halved and thinly sliced
- 1 lb. seedless cucumbers, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
For the dressing
- 1/2 tsp. each cumin seeds, coriander seeds, and yellow mustard seeds
- 2 cups plain Greek yogurt (preferably full-fat or 2 percent)
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbs. fresh lemon juice
- 2 tbs. white-wine vinegar
- Kosher salt
Directions
In a large, heavy pot, cover the quinoa with the water, add 1 teaspoon salt, and bring to a boil. Cover and simmer over medium-low heat until the quinoa is tender and the water is absorbed, 18 to 20 minutes.
Remove from the stovetop, then uncover the pot, top with a clean kitchen towel or a layer of paper towels, and cover the pot again; let stand five minutes. This will ensure the quinoa is dry and fluffy.
In a large glass serving bowl, spread the lettuce in a single layer and season lightly with salt and pepper. Arrange the herbs on top, followed by the quinoa. Spread the radishes on next, followed by the cucumbers, pushing them toward the edge of the bowl.
For the dressing: In a dry skillet, toast the spices over moderate heat until fragrant, about one minute. Transfer to a mortar or a bowl and let cool. Use a pestle or the bottom of an ice-cream scoop to lightly crush the spices. In a medium bowl, whisk the yogurt with the mayonnaise, lemon juice, and vinegar. Season with salt.
Spread the dressing over the salad, sprinkle with the spices, and refrigerate for at least one hour before serving to make sure it’s chilled through.
Recipes reprinted from Modern Potluck: Beautiful Food to Share. Copyright © 2016 by Kristin Donnelly. Photography copyright © 2016 by Yossy Arefi. Published by Clarkson Potter / Publishers, an imprint of the Crown Publishing Group, a division of Penguin Random House LLC.
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