Quinoa And Raisin Salad Stuffed Tomatoes


These vegan beauties are wonderful and make a great low calorie lunch or even a side for dinner! feel free to fill smaller tomatoes and use as an appetizer or side dish. recipe from the california raisin marketing board. note: after making this dish. . .i suggest making up a little extra dressing and pouring atop the salad filled tomato just before serving to perk up the flavors. also, use the full 3/4 cup of raisins, as they are truly the star of this dish. i also added some yellow bell pepper which was great. lastly, feel free to use your own favorite vinaigrette in this recipe instead of the dressing (we like to use a zesty italian with a little honey stirred into it). just some thoughts :)

Steps


In a small bowl , whisk all dressing ingredients together.
Cover and chill until ready to use.
To prepare salad , bring water to boil in medium saucepan.
Stir in quinoa and simmer , covered , for 10 to 12 minutes.
Remove from heat and let stand until all liquid has been absorbed.
Fluff with a fork then stir in raisins.
Let cool.
Transfer to a large bowl.
Add celery , onion , thyme and dressing.
Toss to coat well.
Cover and chill for at least 1 hour or salad may be prepared to this point and held for 24 hours in refrigerator.
To serve , add walnuts to salad and stir well.
Remove thick slice from tops of the tomatoes and scoop out seeds with a small spoon.
Arrange on individual salad plates and fill with salad , spooning any extra onto plate around tomatoes.

Ingredients


extra virgin olive oil, fresh lemon juice, sugar, salt, fresh ground pepper, water, quinoa, raisins, celery, red onion, fresh thyme, walnuts, tomatoes