Today, I want to share with you a perfect recipe for a weeknight dinner that is not only delicious but also incredibly healthy. In other words, if you are looking for a meal that is satisfying, packed with nutrients, and easy to prepare, then this is for you.

Today, we will be making a warm quinoa salad with roasted endives, shrimp, and a flavorful dressing that brings everything together beautifully. This dish is a great example of how whole food salads can be hearty, vibrant, and full of textures. And without keeping too much of your time, let me tell you that the balance of roasted vegetables, citrus, and protein makes it one of the best quinoa recipes for a wholesome meal.

So, let’s dive in and see how to make it!

Instructions:

• ‍Roast the Endives and Onion: Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
• Cut the endives in half and slice a large onion.
• Toss them with olive oil, salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and garlic powder.

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• Place them on a baking sheet and roast for 30 minutes on one side, then flip and roast for another 30 minutes.‍
• Cook the Quinoa: Bring a pot of salted water to a boil.
• Add 1/2 cup quinoa and cook for 15 minutes.

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• Drain and return it to the pot. Place a paper towel over the quinoa and cover with a lid to absorb excess moisture until ready to use.‍
• Prepare the Salad Mix: Once the endives are done roasting, set aside four halves for plating and chop the remaining two.

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• Finely chop the roasted onion and mix with fresh basil, parsley, and olive oil.

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• Peel and dice half of an orange and add it to the chopped endives and quinoa.‍
• Cook the Shrimp: Heat 2 tbsp of olive oil in a pan over high heat.
• Cook the shrimp for 1 minute per side, seasoning with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and garlic powder.

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• When flipping the shrimp, squeeze in the juice from the remaining half of the orange.
• Just before removing from the pan, add 1 tbsp of Port wine to deglaze.‍
• Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, mix mustard, honey, mayonnaise, spicy paste, miso paste, and soy sauce.

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• Assemble the Dish: Arrange the roasted endive halves on a plate.
• Spoon the quinoa salad mix over them.
• Add the cooked shrimp on top.‍
• Drizzle the quinoa salad dressing generously over everything.
• Garnish with fresh chopped ginger and extra herbs.

The Story Behind This Dish

Okay, now let's talk a bit about how this recipe was born. First of all, this quinoa salad recipe is inspired by Mediterranean flavors, bringing together roasted vegetables, citrus, and seafood in a harmonious dish.

The concept of pairing shrimp with endives comes from traditional European cuisine, where bittersweet flavors are often used to enhance seafood dishes. The addition of quinoa makes it a whole food salad, packed with protein and fiber, making it one of the best hot quinoa recipes for a balanced meal.

Nutritionally, this dish is an excellent source of lean protein from shrimp, fiber from quinoa, and antioxidants from the orange and herbs. The roasted endives add a subtle bitterness that complements the sweetness of the orange and the umami depth from miso and soy sauce. If you are looking for quinoa salad ideas, this one ticks all the boxes for flavor, texture, and nutrition.

FAQs About Quinoa

Before we wrap up, here are some common questions about quinoa:

Q: Will quinoa make you gain weight?

A: No, quinoa is a nutrient-dense food that is high in protein and fiber, which helps with satiety and weight management.

Q: Will quinoa raise blood sugar?

A: Quinoa has a low glycemic index, meaning it releases energy slowly and does not cause rapid blood sugar spikes.

Q: Are quinoa and couscous the same?

A: No, quinoa is a seed, while couscous is a type of pasta made from wheat.

Q: Can quinoa be cooked in a rice cooker?

A: Yes! Simply use the same ratio of water to quinoa as you would for rice.

Q: Where does quinoa grow?

A: Quinoa is primarily grown in the Andes mountains of South America, particularly in Bolivia and Peru.

Conclusion

I hope you give this warm quinoa salad a try! Because yes, it truly is one of my favorite quinoa salad recipes because it’s nutritious, flavorful, and easy to make. If you do try it, be sure to tag us—we’d love to see your version! Also, don’t forget to check out the full video recipe on YouTube and hit that like and subscribe button. Happy cooking!

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