Quinoa Tabouli Salad

This is a great summer salad and the kids actually love it too!  Using Quinoa instead of Couscous is a much healthier option.  1 cup of cooked quinoa contains 8.15 grams of protein also cholesterol-free and low-fat.

QuinoaTabouli

QuinoaSalad1

Cook your Quinoa, let cool, or put in a shallow pan in the fridge, stirring occasionally to speed up the process.  I used a tri-colored Quinoa because I like all of the colors but you can use regular Quinoa too

marinated tomatoes2

Chop Marinated Tomatoes

Cucumber1

Peel, quarter and cut seeds from the Cucumber

Cucumber

Dice Cucumbers

basil

Stack 5-6 Basil leaves on top of each other

Basil2

Roll the Basil up and slice into thin slices this is called Basil Chiffonade

QuinoaSalad2

Add all ingredients to Quinoa, stir and serve

Recipe: 

  • 6 Cups Cooked Quinoa( follow the 1 to 2 ratio when cooking Quinoa~ 2 Cups Quinoa 4 Cups Water) 
  • 1 OG English Cucumber diced equaling 1 cup
  • 2 Cups Marinated Tomatoes diced
  • Juice of 1 Fresh Lemon squeezed
  • 1 Teaspoon Salt add more if you like
  • 1/2 Cup of the Marinade used for the Italian Tomato marinade
  • 1/4 Cup of White Balsamic Vinegar

 

Bittersweet Bistro in Aptos, CA

Bittersweet Bistro is one of Robby’s and my favorite places!  The food and service is always great and the staff are very friendly!  They have a nice outside patio for breakfast and lunch.  They also allow dogs on the patio and have a menu for them too!

IMG_4027 copy

They use fresh organic produce from the local farmers markets

IMG_1297

It is owned and operated by Chef Thomas Vinolus

IMG_1290

We always sit outside unless it is really cold or raining.  They have a small indoor area for breakfast and lunch

IMG_1289

The dogs very own menu

IMG_1518

I often get the vegetarian sandwich on toasted sourdough, I love it!  They serve it with fries but I try to stay away from them

IMG_2490

Or I get the Ultimate Grilled Cheese, it comes on Ciabatta Bread with Cheddar & Jack Cheese Caramelized Onion, Tomato and Mushrooms.  I get it on toasted sour dough without the mushrooms.  It is sooo good

IMG_1521

Robby’s favorite is the Talapia Fish Sandwich

IMG_2615

They have another beautiful patio.  It opens for happy hour that starts at 3:30

IMG_2621

IMG_2616

My favorite table is by the fountain

IMG_2617

Love all the Koi fish

IMG_2478

The main dinning room is off the side patio

IMG_2479

IMG_2485

IMG_2476 2

IMG_2477

They have a nice kitchen with a brick pizza oven

IMG_2487

Inside there is a beautiful bar

IMG_2322

IMG_2489

IMG_2326

They also have a nice banquet room

IMG_2325

Our friends were in town for New Years Eve and we had dinner here

bittersweetbistro.com

787 Rio Del Mar Boulevard
Aptos, CA 95003
(831) 662-9799

Italian Marinated Tomatoes

Italian Marinated Tomatoes are a great staple to any pasta dish, hummus, anti-pasta, or tabouli

Marinated Tomatoes

marinated tomatoes1

Cut fresh Tomatoes in quarters, add marinade to bowl and stir in Tomatoes covering with the marinade

Marinatedtoamtoes2

 Marinate Tomatoes overnight covered but if you don’t have the time then at least 2 hours

 Recipe:

  • 6-8 Organic Tomatoes cut in quarters
  • 1 Cup Olive Oil
  • 1/3 Cup White Balsamic Vinegar
  • 1/2 Teaspoon Sea Salt
  • 1 Tablespoon Chopped Fresh Thyme
  • 1 Tablespoon Fresh Basil
  • 2 Garlic Cloves Crushed

Related Post

Tarragon Pesto

This is a very pleasant Pesto and great for summer.  Mix it with pasta, serve on crackers or crustini, on a sandwich, pizza and so much more.

 Fresh tarragon herb is one of the highest antioxidant value food sources. It helps lower blood-glucose levels, helps prevent clot formation inside tiny blood vessels of heart and brain protecting from heart attack and stroke.  It is rich in vitamin-C, vitamin-A and B-complex. A excellent source of minerals like calcium, manganese, iron, magnesium, copper, potassium, and zinc.

 IMG_4021_1_1

IMG_3998

Pick the of the Tarragon leaves, shred the cheese and measure out the rest of the ingredients adding everything to a food processor or blender

Blend till smooth

Recipe – Approx 1 1/2 Cup

  • 1 1/3 Cup OG Tarragon Leaves
  • 3/4 Cup OG Raw Walnuts
  • 1/2 Cup Asiago Cheese
  • 1/2 Cup OG Extra Virgin Olive Oil
  • 1 Tablespoon OG Fresh Lemon Juice
  • 2 Cloves OG Garlic
  • 1/4 Teaspoon Sea Salt or to Taste
  • Dash of Black Pepper