Welcome to Tasty Tidbits, your go-to guide for making the most out of shelf-stable foods like canned goods, whole grains, dry beans, and quinoa. Brought to you by Live Well Alabama, each edition highlights a pantry staple, sharing nutrition facts, easy storage tips, simple prep ideas, and creative recipes. Whether you’re stocking up or stretching your grocery budget, Tasty Tidbits will help you turn shelf-stable ingredients into delicious, nutritious meals.

Nutrition Nuggets

• Excellent source of carbohydrates for energy.
• High in fiber, supporting digestion and heart health.
• Good source of protein for building strong muscles.

How to Store

• Store in a sealed container in a pantry or cabinet or on a countertop.
• Shelf life extends 2 to 3 years past the use-by date.

How to Prepare

• Add quinoa to boiling water.
• Use 1 part grain to 2 parts water.
• Cook until water is absorbed and quinoa is tender.

How to Enjoy

• Serve as a side dish.
• Add to salads or soups or mix into oatmeal.
• Use as a base for bowls with vegetables, beans, and lean proteins.

Did You Know? Quinoa is technically a seed and is considered part of a small group of grains called “pseudocereals” along with amaranth and buckwheat.

Recipes 

Quinoa Your Way

Ingredients

• 1 cup quinoa
• 2 cups water
• Optional herbs and spices: oregano, garlic powder, chives, basil, dill, cilantro, parsley, turmeric, pepper, cumin, chili powder, ginger, or curry
• Optional toppings: spinach, kale, carrots, celery, asparagus, onion, garlic, tomato, avocado, peppers, corn, peas, chickpeas, beans, cucumber, squash, edamame, sunflower seeds, pepitas (pumpkin seeds), chopped nuts, dried blueberries or cranberries, or feta cheese 

Directions

• Rinse quinoa thoroughly using a fine mesh strainer.
• Bring water to a boil in a medium pot.
• Add rinsed quinoa. Boil for 15 to 20 minutes or until water is absorbed.
• Fluff cooked quinoa with fork.
• Add optional herbs, spices, and toppings, if desired.

Easy Quinoa Salad  

Ingredients

• 1 to 2 cups cooked quinoa
• 1/2 cup spinach, chopped 
• 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, chopped 
• 1/3 cup red onion, diced
• 1 cucumber, peeled and chopped
• 1/3 cup feta cheese, crumbled
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice 
• 2 tablespoons olive oil 
• 1/2 teaspoon salt 
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper 
• 2 ripe avocados, chopped or sliced

Directions

• In a large bowl, combine cooked quinoa, spinach, tomatoes, red onion, cucumbers, and feta cheese. Stir and set aside.
• In a small bowl, combine lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Whisk together.
• Add dressing mixture to quinoa mixture. Stir gently until evenly distributed.
• Add avocado.
• Serve immediately or chill in the refrigerator.

Learn More

For more Tasty Tidbits, visit www.LiveWellAlabama.com.

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