Quinoa, Cashew and Chickpea Salad

Tri-colour Quinoa, Cashew and Chickpea Salad

It's November,  so now we're thinking about Christmas presents and *gulp* all those barbeques, work functions and family get-togethers we're about to go to.  I have tasted some awesome summery cous cous or quinoa salads that are just about meals in themselves,  but were flavoured with citrus juices and full of dried fruits. No good for us.  :(   Tonight,  I've tried to do a Failsafe version of a healthy, high protein, light but filling Summer salad.  

Ingredients:

• 1 cup Quinoa,  cooked as per packet's instructions 
• 100g raw Cashews
• Small bunch Parsley leaves, finely chopped
• Bean Sprouts
• Cucumber*, peeled and diced
• Whatever other fresh "Summery" vegetables you 'd like
• 1tsp Citric Acid
• 3tabs water
• 50g Rice Bran Oil
• 400g tin of Chickpeas, drained and rinsed (about net 250g)
• 1/2 tsp salt

Method:

• Pre-heat oven 180ºC
• Cook Quinoa as per instructions (1 part quinoa, 3 parts water), rinse in cold water, drain well
• Dissolve Citric Acid in the Water
• Add Salt and Parsley and Oil; stir well and set dressing aside
• In the Thermomix, lightly chop Cashews on Speed 5 for 1 second (or by hand)
• Toast the Cashews (some of mine was cashew 'dust' which was great.) for 5-10mins
• Into a large serving bowl,  put the Quinoa, Cashews, Chickpeas, Vegetables and stir to combine
• Stir through with the dressing just before serving
• Serve with BBQ meats as a side, bring it to 'bring a plate' functions as a versatile addition to a buffet

* Moderate Salicylates

Verdict:
The frillypantii...  scoffed this down!  Made lots of appreciative noises and went back for seconds.  There were no thirds available!   I served it tonight just with cold roast chicken (that I cooked yesterday) and that was sufficient for everyone.  Don't be fooled by this being a 'salad'.  It's quite filling.  Mr frillypants came later for dinner and is now saying 'absolutely bloody marvelous dinner!'  Cool!

Tweeks:  Add any veges you'd like,  but I was aiming for a 'light summery' sort of salad,  so keep it small pieces and fresh.  Perhaps celery, carrot*, choko... Please DO share in the comments section so we can all benefit.  :)   You'll see in the picture I used Tri-colour Quinoa.  That's Black, Red and White Quinoa.  You can use just white,  whatever is available.