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You know how some folks live for comfort food in the winter? That’s how I am, but with salads in the spring. Delicious veggies and earthy greens are what I like to cuddle up with on a warm spring day. Add a glass of water or lemonade and trust me, I’m comforted until the next meal! The only problem that I have with my version of comfort food is that salads don’t fill me up. Well, normal salads don’t fill me up. A salad loaded with hearty veggies and grains, though? Oh, now we’re talking! I went to Smart & Final earlier this week to grab the makings for a yummy Spring Veggie Quinoa Salad. I knew they’d have everything I needed from the quinoa to the dressing and the fresh produce at affordable prices because they’re a one stop shop. I can always find what I need there. It’s a good thing I did since the temperature has shot up, and we’re in, “eat outside every day” season!

Folks who know me know that I’m not exactly a chef. I like to experiment in the kitchen, but only when the stakes are low. Armed with a 2 lb. bag of Sun Harvest brand Red & White Quinoa from Smart & Final, I was confident that if I messed up, I’d have plenty of quinoa to fall back on. Fortunately, it was really easy to make and in about 30 minutes, I had made a tasty, filling spring salad. I also made extra quinoa so that it’d be convenient to use in other meals later this week. I may not be a chef, but I sure am a genius! Ha!

When you get to Smart & Final, make sure you check out the Sun Harvest line. It features items like the Red & White Quinoa that I used in this recipe, as well as other natural, organic, good-for-you, earth-friendly products like produce and even non-food items like detergent! The best part is that you can get them at the great Smart & Final prices. Now, here’s that quinoa salad recipe:

Spring Veggie Quinoa Salad

Ingredients

– 1 cup Sun Harvest Red & White Quinoa

-2 cups water

– 1 tablespoon olive oil

-2 cups of fresh or frozen corn

-1/2 cup of chopped purple onion

-1/2 cup of chopped carrots

-2 cloves of chopped garlic

– 1/4 cup Sun Harvest Citrus Balsamic dressing

-salt and pepper to taste

Directions

Cook quinoa according to directions. Let cool.

Sautee chopped veggies in olive oil. Let cool.

Mix quinoa and veggies. Stir in Citrus Balsamic dressing and toss to coat thoroughly.

Serve over mixed greens if you prefer.

Enjoy!

Between 4/15 – 4/28 Smart & Final will be giving away a $25 SmartCash card as part of their Facebook page comment contest. Smart & Final will post a new picture daily on their Facebook page with a question and contest details. To enter, comment on the post with any relevant response. You can also follow Smart & Final on Twitter (not required for the contest).