Quinoa Salad with Tofu Puffs

This is a lovely summer dish. I've been making it often this summer, as it is so easy to prepare, so tasty, so perfect for warm weather. Try it yourself one of these glorious days of summer . . . . as the good weather continues to hold. This is pure Sattvic food, nourishing to body and spirit. The recipe can easily be adapted, depending upon what you have available. But everything should be very fresh. It is delicious both warm and cool. Great for a picnic! (Serves 3 - 4)

1 cup quinoa
1 - 2 cups cherry tomatoes (the tiny sweet ones!)
1 medium-sized cucumber, thinly sliced & cut into quarters
small handful fresh mint
1 -2 handfuls fresh parsley
1 -2 lemons
best quality extra-virgin olive oil
salt to taste
1 package tofu puffs *
mixed salad greens (rocket, watercress, spinach, different lettuce varieties all are good)

1. Cook the quinoa in just under double the amount boiling water with a pinch of salt to taste.
2. Meanwhile, wash all the vegetables.
3. Slice the cherry tomatoes in half.
4. Chop the fresh herbs.
5. Juice the lemons.
6. When the quinoa is done, let it sit for a few minutes to cool down a bit then fluff it up with a fork.
7. Add cherry tomatoes, cucumber, fresh herbs, lemon juice, and plenty of olive oil to taste.
8. Cut the tofu puffs into large chunks and toss with the other ingredients.
9. Serve on a bed of fresh greens, lightly sprinkled with lemon juice and olive oil.

* Tofu puffs come in vacuum-sealed packages from the fridge department of your local health food shop. They are pre-cooked & delicious just as they are. Once the package is opened, they need to be consumed right away.

Note: Though fresh garlic is also delicious in this salad, it is not recommended for the diet of yogis. Try without and enjoy the simple flavours of fresh sattvic foods.

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