Perfect Picnic Quinoa & Olive Salad

PERFECT PICNIC QUINOA & OLIVE SALAD This irresistible salad is packed with healthy ingredients. Enjoy it at home or allow it to take centre stage at any picnic. Quinoa counts as a whole grain and, whilst it may have South American roots, is an exceptional addition to the Mediterranean diet. It’s full of fibre and protein, and is deliciously filling with its slightly nutty aroma and distinctive texture. It’s good to know that quinoa is also gluten-free, so can be safely enjoyed by those with intolerances to gluten. In this recipe, the flavour is complemented by an array of incredibly tasty veg. The raw carrot and red cabbage add delightful crunch, and are packed with nutrients such as vitamins A and C, fibre and potassium. (Red cabbage is said to contain as much as ten times the nutrients of green cabbage.) Kale’s known to be one of the most nutrient-dense plants on the planet. Your immune system will thank you for all the antioxidant qualities. By mixing the dressing well with your kale, you’ll help to soften down the leaves before you enjoy them. The Fragata Marinated stoneless olives with olive oil and sea salt add a new dimension too, with the sharp salty flavour cutting through. Hide some in the salad itself and sprinkle more on top. The avocado on the side balances everything, with its smooth, creamy texture and subtle flavour. This is the perfect dish to make picnics memorable. It’s simple to put together and, if you fancy making extra, it’s lovely for lunches the next day too. (Just hold back on the dressing and peeling the avocado until you’re almost ready to enjoy.) Quinoa counts as a whole grain and, whilst it may have South American roots, is an exceptional addition to the Mediterranean diet. It’s full of fibre and protein, and is deliciously filling with its slightly nutty aroma and distinctive texture. It’s good to know that quinoa is also gluten-free, so can be safely enjoyed by those with intolerances to gluten. In this recipe, the flavour is complemented by an array of incredibly tasty veg. The raw carrot and red cabbage add delightful crunch, and are packed with nutrients such as vitamins A and C, fibre and potassium. (Red cabbage is said to contain as much as ten times the nutrients of green cabbage.) Kale’s known to be one of the most nutrient-dense plants on the planet. Your immune system will thank you for all the antioxidant qualities. By mixing the dressing well with your kale, you’ll help to soften down the leaves before you enjoy them. The Fragata Marinated stoneless olives with olive oil and sea salt add a new dimension too, with the sharp salty flavour cutting through. Hide some in the salad itself and sprinkle more on top. The avocado on the side balances everything, with its smooth, creamy texture and subtle flavour. This is the perfect dish to make picnics memorable. It’s simple to put together and, if you fancy making extra, it’s lovely for lunches the next day too. (Just hold back on the dressing and peeling the avocado until you’re almost ready to enjoy.)