asian flavored quinoa salad

I've been seeing more and more recipes calling for quinoa lately. I've bookmarked a bunch planning to get around to them eventually, but when I saw this one, I wanted to make it immediately. I haven't met an Asian inspired dish I haven't liked yet, so I knew this one would be a winner.

We had a busy weekend and last night was catch up night - Brad had to stay late for a meeting after work and I just grabbed some odds & ends to snack on for dinner while catching up on some housework. So, naturally I couldn't wait to get to back to cooking tonight. This recipe came together in about a half hour and the flavors are incredible. We thought shrimp would be a delicious addition too.

Asian Flavored Quinoa Salad
1 1/2 cup(s)water
3/4 cup(s) uncooked quinoa, *
1 tbsp rice wine vinegar
2 tbsp mango chutney (or orange marmalade)
2 tsp dark sesame oil
1 tbsp ginger root, fresh, minced
1 tsp kosher salt
1 cup(s) sugar snap peas, trimmed and halved
1 cup(s) shredded carrots
1 cup(s) shredded water chesnuts (or red cabbage)
1 small sweet red pepper(s), thinly sliced
3 tbsp cilantro, fresh, chopped
2 tbsp scallion(s), thinly sliced
1 tbsp sesame seeds, toasted

In a small saucepan, water and quinoa; bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce heat to low; cover and simmer for 10 minutes.

Meanwhile, to make dressing, in a small bowl, whisk together vinegar, chutney, oil, ginger and salt; set aside.

After quinoa has cooked for 10 minutes, toss in snap peas to partially steam them; cover and simmer until most of liquid has been absorbed, about 5 to 6 minutes.

Remove pan from heat and stir in carrots, water chestnuts, peppers and dressing; mix to thoroughly combine. Garnish with cilantro, scallions and sesame seeds. Serve warm, room temperature or chilled.

*Check the box of quinoa you bought to see if it has been "prerinsed". If not, rinse the quinoa in a colander before cooking to remove its bitter outer coating, if you don't have a colander fine enough, use cheesecloth.

recipe adapted from weighwatchers.com