Tuna & Quinoa Salad

Quinoa is high in fibre and has a low-GI, which is beneficial for keeping blood sugar levels stable. For this reason, Quinoa is an ideal grain for diabetics.

Low GI foods also release their energy slowly, so this salad will keep you feeling full for longer.  We've made this recipe with Tuna, but this can be replaced with canned salmon or even smoked salmon if you prefer.  You could even crumble some feta over the top (yum).

Ingredients

• ¼ cup quinoa
• ½ small or ¼ large (160g) sweet potato (aka Kumara/Yam)
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 carrot
• 1 can (185g) tuna in spring water, drained
• ½ packet (50g) Baby Spinach Leaves
• Splash balsamic vinegar
• 6 cherry tomatoes, halved
• Sprinkle of mixed herbs
• 1 tsp slivered almonds
• 2 tbsp lemon juice
• S & P to taste

Method

1. Pre heat oven to 200C (400F).
2. Place Quinoa in sauce pan with two cups of water and simmer for about 10 minutes or until softened. Drain and set aside.
3. Cut the carrot, sweet potato into small bite size chunks and place on an oven tray lined with baking paper.  Spray a quick spray of olive oil cooking spray and bake for 10 mins.  Take out and add the cherry tomatoes, sprinkle all with mixed herbs and then season all with S & P and bake a further 10 mins until all cooked. Take out drizzle with a splash of Balsamic Vinegar overall and set aside.
4. In a large bowl place the Quinoa, Carrot, Sweet Potato, Cherry tomatoes, mix with a spoon. Now add the tuna and gently mix so you don’t break the tuna up too much.
5. Either 1 large bowl or 2 small bowls lay the spinach out on the bottom, add the quinoa mix on top, squeeze ½ lemon over the salad then sprinkle with slivered almonds.  Season with a little more S & P if desired.
6. Serve immediately.