grains gone healthy

4 cups of favorite grain or pasta -cooked and cooled (frozen multi grain from TJ's, brown rice, quinoa, orzo

2 c finely chopped kale

1 c dried cranberries

1/2 c coarsely chopped green onions

1/2 chopped pecans or fave nut

1/2 chopped cilantro or flat leaf parsley or basil

1 c crumbled feta

Dressing:

1/2 grapeseed oil

1/3 fresh lemon juice

1 garlic clove minced

T Dijon mustard

T honey

1-2 tsps salt to taste (salt is key)

Pepper to taste

Quinoa Herbed

3 c favorite stock (I use chicken, low sodium)
1/3 c fresh lemon or lime juice
1 2/3 c quinoa (keen-waa....)

*place stock, fresh juice and "keen-waa" in a medium pan and bring to a boil
*reduce heat to a simmer after it comes to a boil, cover and simmer 12-16 mins until all the liquid is absorbed

herbed dressing:
1/3 c olive or grapeseed or avocado oil
1/3 c fresh lemon or lime juice
1 c fresh basil leaves
1/3 c fresh flat leaf parsley
1-2 T fresh thyme leaves
3 tsp lemon or lime zest
kosher salt and fresh ground pepper--about 1 heaping tsp salt and 1/2 tsp pepper or to taste

*place all ingredients in a blender or small food processor (I use my bullet--it is magical) and blend away
*add enough dressing for desired wetness

****the quinoa and dressing can be made a day ahead and mixed a few hours before serving
****can be served warm or at room temp or chilled
****add chopped kale or fresh arugula with adjusting dressing amount as needed
****this side dish is sooooo versatile and can be whatever you want it to be
****also amazing with fresh chopped tomatoes and cucumbers and onion of choice