Asian Peanut Noodle Slaw with Chickpeas

Serves 4

An Asian Peanut Noodle Slaw with Shredded Chicken recipe published in the April 2017 edition of Family Circle inspired me to create my own meatless version... although substitute 1 - 2 cups of shredded rotisserie chicken for the chickpeas, if you prefer.

Ingredients:

• 4 ounces whole wheat linguine
• 1/4 cup creamy peanut butter
• 3 tablespoons rice vinegar
• Juice from 1 small lime
• 2 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, finely grated
• 1 tablespoon packed brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon Sriracha
• 1 can chickpeas, rinsed and drained
• 6 cups cabbage, finely shredded
• 2 cups carrots, finely shredded
• 1 yellow pepper, finely chopped
• 1 bunch green onions, finely sliced
• 1/2 bunch fresh cilantro
• Salt and pepper to taste

1. Cook linguine, according to package directions. Drain, rinse and set aside.
2. Dressing: In a large bowl, whisk together peanut butter, rice vinegar, lime juice, sesame oil, ginger, brown sugar and Sriracha until smooth.
3. Add linguine, chickpeas, cabbage, carrots, yellow pepper, salt and pepper; toss well.
4. Place on individual plates and top with green onions and cilantro. Enjoy until completely eaten😋

Quinoa and Field Green Bowl

On hot summer days,  a light and healthy salad is a perfect meal! This salad includes plenty of crisp fresh vegetables and quinoa for protein. Quinoa is really a seed and considered a "complete" protein; packed with 8 grams of protein per cup. The greens are dressed with a light vinaigrette, and for some extra flavor, the salad is topped with avocado and some toasted almonds.

Makes 4 salads

Salad Ingredients:

• 1 cup dried quinoa
• 8-10 ounces kale and/or field greens
• 1 pint of cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
• 1 ripe avocado, pitted, peeled and sliced or diced
• 1 cup carrots, peeled and diced
• 1 cup cucumbers, partially peeled and diced
• 1 cup broccoli, sliced
• 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
• 4 ounces of sliced almonds, toasted
• Coarse salt and freshly ground pepper

Dressing: 

• 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon
• 1/2 teaspoon dijon mustard
• 1/2 teaspoon sugar

1. Make Quinoa: Bring 2 cups of salted water to a boil in a medium saucepan. Add quinoa and bring water back to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover and simmer for 15 minutes or until liquid has been absorbed. Fluff with a fork. Set aside. 
2. Make Dressing: Whisk together dressing ingredients. Toss greens with dressing in a large bowl. 
3. Prepare Salads: Transfer greens to individual salad plates or bowls. Divide tomatoes, avocado, carrots, cucumbers broccoli and red onions evenly among bowls. Add 1/2 cup quinoa to center of each salad. Sprinkle with almonds and season with salt and pepper to taste.