Fresh Quinoa Salad

Ingredients:

• 2 cups water
• 2 cubes or 2 teaspoon chicken bouillon
• 1 clove garlic, smashed
• 1 cup uncooked quinoa
• 1/2 large red onion, diced
• 1 large green bell pepper, diced
• 1/3 cup black olives, chopped
• 1/2 cup fresh mozzarella, chopped
• 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
• 1/4 cup fresh chives, chopped
• 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

Directions:

Heat water with chicken bouillon and garlic - bring to boil. Add quinoa and reduce heat. Simmer for 20 minutes or until quinoa is tender and water is gone. Remove from stove and allow to cool for 5-10 minutes.

While quinoa is cooking, chop onion, bell pepper, olives and mozzarella. Stir in 2 quart bowl and add basil and chives. Top with lemon juice, olive oil, balsamic vinegar and salt.

Add cooled quinoa and stir together. Chill in the refrigerator until you're ready to serve. 

Optional: Add cooked chicken to make this a main course.

Taco Pasta Casserole

Ingredients:

• 1/2 onion
• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 cup golden corn, frozen
• 1/4 cup taco seasoning
• 3/4 cup water
• 1 (8 oz) package light cream cheese
• 1 lb pasta
• 2 cups shredded Colby Jack cheese

Directions:

Preheat over to 350 degrees. Bring 6 cups of water to boil and add pasta (I prefer pasta shells!). 

While pasta is cooking, chop onion and add to hot, lightly-greased skillet. Add beef and cook until brown. Gently mix in corn, water and taco seasoning. Cook until water has boiled off. Add cream cheese and stir until cheese is melted and well mixed.

Once pasta is soft, drain, rinse and pour in large bowl. Stir in ground beef mixture and 1 1/2 cups Cobly Jack cheese. Place in lightly greased casserole dish and top with remaining 1/2 cup cheese. 

Bake for 30 minutes or until cheese is bubbly. Serve hot!