Pesto Shrimp Quinoa Salad
Shrimp are one of the healthiest seafoods, so this recipe pairs them with more good-for-you foods like quinoa, bell pepper, tomatoes and goat cheese. Pesto and fresh lemon bring bright flavor. This super easy salad can be served warm for a light dinner or chilled as a lunch salad –whatever you fancy!
Servings 4 Servings
Ingredients
- ¾ pound shrimp about 40 medium
- 1 cup quinoa
- 1.5 tbsp high heat oil such as safflower, divided
- 1 red bell pepper
- 10 cherry tomatoes
- 1/3 cup basil pesto
- 1 clove garlic
- ¼ tsp salt
- Juice of half a lemon
- 2 ounces goat cheese
Instructions
- Rinse quinoa and put in pot with 2 cups of water. Bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer for 10-15 minutes, until liquid is absorbed.
- Chop tomatoes and pepper. Mince or press garlic.
- Pat shrimp dry with a paper towel. Add 1 tbsp oil to a large pan over medium high heat and add shrimp in a single layer. Cook for 2 minutes, until shrimp start to turn pink and flip to the other side. Cook another 2 minutes and remove from pan. Set aside.
- Add ½ tbsp oil to pan over medium heat and cook pepper for 2 minutes. Add garlic and stir. Add tomatoes and continue cooking until they are slightly tender. Splash in a tablespoon of water to the pan if it becomes too dry.
- Stir in pesto. Toss in shrimp and quinoa. Season with salt and lemon.
- Pour mixture into a serving bowl and allow to cool slightly before adding 2 ounces goat cheese (or more if you like!)
- Serve warm or chilled.