Meatless Monday + FFwD Quinoa Fruit and Nut Salad

April 5, 2011 · 15 comments

I like meat. I grew up around meat, my father provided us with meat, and my family celebrated with lovely meat dishes.  Want to know a secret about me now?  I really am not a big meat lover, I could take it or leave it.  My dad will be so sad to hear this, but wait Daddy-o!!!  I may not be a big meat eater, but if you give me some venison, WELL you have a VERY happy Terra:-)

Last week my Grandparents, Aunt, and Uncle came for a visit.  Guess what they brought from my home state? Venison!!! Yup, my Mother and Father sent about 10 pounds of venison.  Who was happy? ME!!!  So Sunday I made Cheesy Venison Meatloaf, and I ate WAY too much, YUM-O!!!

When Monday came along, I needed a break from meat, after eating WAY too much Sunday.  And how appropriate, Monday is “Meatless Monday.”  In the social media world, people share ideas, and dishes to make Meatless Monday perfect.  I didn’t need any ideas, I just needed to make some delicious Quinoa Fruit and Nut Salad.  If you remember, I am a part of the fun community of bloggers for French Friday’s with Dorie.  I have not made something every week for them, but I knew I better not miss this dish, I love quinoa!  Do you remember around Super Bowl Sunday, I made the Sweet and Savory Quinoa Bites?  Just click on the links to enjoy, they were something, unique, fun, and delicious!

The quinoa salad recipe can not be shared, but I really recommend Dorie Greenspan’s book Around my French Table.

I did not have any fresh herbs in the house.  I so can not wait to get my herb garden planted, it is officially time!  So for the recipe I used dried parsley, and dried mint.  I am always careful to use mint, but it really is refreshing in a salad.  I think I may try to grow some this year, yum!!!

For the rest of the recipe, I did have all the needed ingredients.  I used almonds, which I forgot to toast, oh well….

I may not blog every Monday about Meatless Monday, but I think I will try to start enjoying meatless dishes on Monday.

What is your favorite way to enjoy Quinoa?

Do you love or hate meat?

Until next time, Come on in, Have a seat,

Hugs, Terra

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Tagged as: Around My French table, Dorie Greenspan, Family, French Friday's with Dorie, herbs, Meatless Monday, Quinoa, Venison

  • http://twitter.com/nella22 Nelly Rodriguez

    I think I’ve tried Quinoa once or twice and I was checking it out at the grocery store the other day and it costs $395 pesos or US$ 10.67 for a small box. RIDICULOUS PRICE!
    As for meat, I love it. Love love, can’t live without pork, bacon, tenderloin, steaks, juicy burgers…yum yum yum. Oh and carbs. Let’s not forget the carbs.

    • http://cafeterrablog.com Terra

      Holy Cats Nelly, 10.67 for quinoa….WOW:-( Well I guess you will have to enjoy the other fun grains out there for now:-) I would never forget carbs, LOL!!! Carbs + Meat + Dessert = Happiness!
      Hugs,
      Terra

  • http://yummychunklet.wordpress.com Yummychunklet

    Both dishes look great! Can’t wait to try the sweet & savory quinoa bites!

    • http://cafeterrablog.com Terra

      Oh YAY, Hope you enjoy the quinoa bits. They are fun, and something different:-)
      Hugs,
      Terra

  • Lissabliss

    i love the idea of meatless mondays. the more we diversify the things we eat, the better. plus, i love the idea of people seeing how yummy vegetarian and vegan meals really are.

    • http://cafeterrablog.com Terra

      I completely agree, it is important to share with everyone that vegetarian/vegan recipes taste delicious! Thank you so much for stopping by!!!
      Hugs,
      Terra

  • http://omgyummy.net OMG! Yummy

    Hi Terra, Thanks for stopping by to check out my FFwD post. Yes, the fresh orange mint was a find – Trader Joe’s – I just had to get it.

    You made risotto with quinoa – you sneaky creative cook you! Impressive. I’m learning to like it. Ate it again today for breakfast with the yogurt and this time some honey – really quite good.

    As for meat, I’m a lover, but all things in moderation.

    Hope you get your herbs planted soon!

  • http://twitter.com/keishualove keishua

    Fun. I don’t think I’ve ever had venison! Variety is the spice of life. I go through phases were I’ve eaten lots of meat and phases were I don’t eat any. I think you really just have to listen to what your body needs/wants. I am really curious about the quinoa recipe. I cook mine in a rice cooker and it gets a little crispy..may have to take it to the stove.

    • http://cafeterrablog.com Terra

      I have not ever cooked quinoa in a rice cooker, but it definitely does not contain gluten. Quinoa is a seed, not a grain, and is gluten free. That could be why it gets crispy in the rice cooker. Try the stove top way, about 2 cups water, with 1 cup quinoa, basically like you cook rice.
      If you ever have a chance to try venison, and from someone who really knows how to prepare it…it is delicious! Enjoy!
      Hugs,
      Terra

  • http://chefpandita.com/ Yuri

    I love quinoa in every way possible. Right now I’m detoxing and even tho I’m allowed to eat animal protein [chicken, fish, lamb] I’ve been vegan for 3 days now. Like you, I’m not a big fan of meat and would gladly eat fish and seafood everyday instead of steaks and burgers. Thank you for visiting my blog and hope you keep on joining us every Friday :)

  • Cher Rockwell

    Your salad was very lovely! Quinoa is a wonderful food, isn’t it? One of my 2011 goals is to go meat free at least two days a week – it hasn’t been any where near as difficult as I had initially thought!

    • http://cafeterrablog.com Terra

      Thank you so much!! Quinoa is so fun, and versatile:-) I think I end up eating meat maybe like 2-3 days a week, and then stick to vegetarian diet. I love vegetarian so much, so many fun recipes to enjoy:-)
      Hugs,
      Terra

  • Teresa

    We try to eat vegetarian/vegan meals a few times a week. I don’t think meat is healthy as a staple for every meal. Though, I’m with you, venison will bump a meatless meal right out of the queue. My family gives me game (elk, moose, venison) and I love to cook with it.

    But back to the quinoa – I love how easy it is to make, how flavourful it is and how easily it subs for grains. I will have to try this salad with mint next time, I bet it will be great.

    Thanks for the links to your quinoa recipes.

    • http://cafeterrablog.com Terra

      Oh YUM!!! Elk is sooooo delicious! My dad got a Elk several years back for the first time, and we all were so happy. I love how lean venison and elk are:-)
      Definitely try the salad with mint, I think fresh mint would even be better! Enjoy:-)
      Hugs,
      Terra

  • http://www.fragrantvanillacake.blogspot.com Amy

    Good for you going meatless on Mondays :) ! I love quinoa, it is a great choice to have at a vegetarian meal!

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