Monday, May 23, 2016

Krista's Power Lunch



At the risk of ruining my shameful reputation for living off sweets, I thought I would share my power lunch today. It's basically a salad. The name comes from the "power greens" that form the base.

It does contain controversial quinoa. Controversial because some people like it and some hate it. If you're not a fan yet, try cooking it in chicken broth or pineapple juice instead of water. Quinoa is like rice in that it doesn't really taste like much until you add a flavor to it.

Quinoa:

1 cup quinoa
2 cups liquid (water, broth, or pineapple juice)

Place quinoa and liquid in a small pot. Bring to a boil. Reduce to a simmer and put the lid on the pot. Simmer 15 minutes. Leave the top on and let stand for five minutes.

You'll know it's done because it will have sprouted and there's usually a telltale ring around the inside of the pot.


I love quinoa in salads because it gives them the tiniest little snap. It's loaded with protein, so it's excellent for the vegetarians in your family. More nutrition information here.

I also used leftover carrot salad. I think it was one of the first recipes I posted on Mystery Lovers Kitchen!

Obviously, the idea is to build a salad out of healthy items you happen to have in the fridge. You can find Power Greens in the plastic clam shells at your favorite grocery store. It's usually a mixture of baby kale, spinach, and swiss chard. If fish isn't your thing, top with a couple of chicken tenders. If you're vegetarian, substitute avocado for the fish.

The honey mustard dressing is my go to dressing. The mustard gives it a tiny zing and the honey adds a contrasting sweetness. Tweak it to suit your taste.


Krista's Power Lunch
(for one)

handful of power greens
one raw mushroom, washed
1/4 to 1/3 cup cooked quinoa
pinch of turmeric
fresh berries
raw carrot salad
baked fish (I used cod)
your favorite dressing (I used my honey mustard dressing below.)

Place a handful of greens on the plate. Add the mushroom. Spoon quinoa in the center of the greens. Sprinkle with turmeric. Add a couple spoonfuls of carrot salad. Sprinkle berries around the edge. Place fish on top. Drizzle with your favorite dressing.

Honey Mustard Dressing

1 1/2 to 2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon prepared mustard
1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
2 teaspoons honey

Place everything in a small container or a teacup. Whisk together with a mini-whisk. Adjust ingredients to taste.


Power greens!

Add a mushroom and some carrots.

Top with quinoa and a pinch of turmeric.
Drizzle with honey mustard dressing.


  

THE DIVA SERVES HIGH TEA will be here on June 7th! I have a few early copies and would be delighted to give one away. To enter, leave a comment with your email address so I can contact you if you win. GOOD LUCK!

63 comments:

  1. Fabulous mix of nourishing ingredients! And the book sounds wonderful. EMS591@aol.com

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  2. Sounds like what I eat daily (except the fish of course!). I love being Vegan... AND I love sweets too, lol!
    Cheers-
    Kelly Braun
    Gaelicark@yahoo.com

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  3. Sounds like what I eat daily (except the fish of course!). I love being Vegan... AND I love sweets too, lol!
    Cheers-
    Kelly Braun
    Gaelicark@yahoo.com

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  4. I would absolutely love to win this book. I love this series and can't wait for the next one. Thank you so much Krista!! my email address is:

    frauenb@aol.com

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  5. Well the salad sounds like I may like it but not sure.

    Nancy Bradford
    nlb1050@yahoo.com

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  6. Beautiful to look at and delicious to eat.
    A definite win.
    libbydodd at comcast dot net

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  7. Something new for me to try! And thanks for the chance to win!
    karen(dot)kenyon(at)rogers(dot)com

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  8. I love everything about your power lunch except for the mushroom, but I can eliminate that and make it perfect for me - lol! I would be delighted to take an early copy of The Diva Serves High Tea off your hands, Krista! Happy Monday! Nicole nicolev.girldetective@gmail.com :-)

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  9. Enjoying your launch of The Diva Serves High Tea; thank you for the opportunity to win it.
    maforbes231@yahoo.com

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  10. This recipe looks good. Thanks for sharing it, I do like salads. Thanks for the giveaway. doward1952@yahoo.com

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  11. Have never tried quinoa. Your lunch sounds good. pwtish171@gmail.com

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  12. Love the dressing recipe, thank you and thank you for the contest, lilflynracer at msn.com

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  13. Your power lunch sounds great. Thank you for this giveaway.
    peggyhyndman(at)att(dot)net

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  14. Your books are one if my favorite series. suefoster@netzero.net

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  15. This looks like it will be delicious. I'm looking forward to reading this book soon. <3

    llcejka at gmail dot com

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  16. Book sounds wonderful!!
    jawdance@yahoo.com

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  17. This would also be yummy with a soft-boiled egg on top, if you are that kind of person...(I am not!)

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  18. Have to pass this on to my daughter...this would be a good lunch for her to make and take to work. Kuzlin at AOL.com

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  19. I can't wait to try this recipe, sounds and looks delicious. Love this series by Krista Davis it always includes such wonderful tips and recipes.
    yellowwyytch@yahoo.com

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  20. That lunch looks so yummy! I've never made quinoa with pineapple juice before. Thanks for the chance to win too!
    awilcox1182@gmail.com

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  21. This recipe looks amazing (I love quinoa)~ Thanks for sharing it with us and also for the giveaway! bobandcelia@sbcglobal.net

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  22. Recipe sounds so good and so does the book. So you have a doubleheader going would love to read and review in print. Thank you for sharing and being on this site today! ptclayton2@aol.com

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  23. Thank you for sharing this unique recipe for a salad. It sounds very tempting. Also thanks so much for the chance to enter the giveaway. robeader53@yahoo.com

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  24. Not sure of this recipe. Thank you for the giveaway! crossxjo@hotmail.com

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  25. This comment has been removed by the author.

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    Replies
    1. ILL BE GETTING NOTHING DONE BUT READING HIGH TEA WHEN I GET MY HANDS ON IT!! I LOVE THE DOMESTIC DIVA!! RRETAMA@GMAIL.COM

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  26. Wonderful recipe. Thanks for this giveaway. saubleb(at)gmail(dot)com

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  27. Your lunch looks so healthy. I wish I ate like that...but, no. I'd love to read your book. lkish77123 at gmail dot com

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  28. Delectable and attractive recipe. Your book would be very enjoyable. elliotbencan(at)hotmail(dot)com

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  29. Love the book cover on this book. It screams cozy and the cat makes it perfect. Thanks for opportunity to win a copy.

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  30. I am afraid to add turmeric to anything. Opening the container releases too strong of an aroma. Bobbipad@gmail.com

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  31. Awesome...thanks

    rhondajgothier@yahoo.com

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  32. I am a friend of quinoa, and this salad looks yummy I will have to give it a try! One thing I love to do is use left over fish, chicken, steak for salads the next day, so this is a perfect addition to add to my summer lunches! I am patiently waiting to get my hands on this little gem of a book, thank you for the recipe and giveaway. jillybeans41@gmail.com

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  33. I am a friend of quinoa, and this salad looks yummy I will have to give it a try! One thing I love to do is use left over fish, chicken, steak for salads the next day, so this is a perfect addition to add to my summer lunches! I am patiently waiting to get my hands on this little gem of a book, thank you for the recipe and giveaway. jillybeans41@gmail.com

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  34. I confess I would rather have high tea than power lunch, but this does look good. I think quinoa is growing on me. Thanks for the giveaway.
    sallycootie@gmail.com

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  35. I may have to try quinoa one more time since this recipe looks so tasty. Thanks for the contest---I'd love to win.
    suefarrell.farrell@gmail.com

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  36. Looks delish!!! Tsullivan539@comcast. Net

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  37. I had never heard of quinoa before until today. I'll have to give it a try. Thank you so much for writing the Domestic Diva series Krista! I've read them all so far & really enjoy them. sxygrndma48{at}yahoo{dot}com

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  38. I love this series!!!! That power lunch looks and sounds amazing!
    Reemsab071@aol.com

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  39. I've always wanted to have high tea with some classy ladies!! njcar22@aol.com

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  40. Would love to win and read High Tea and have someone make lunch for me!
    vernagass@gmail.com

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  41. Too healthy for me! lol. I could make some adjustments though-lose the fish and mushrooms. I love quinoa and teh dressing sounds delish.

    cozyupwithkathy @ gmail dot com

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  42. I'll have to try it. Sounds good!

    annermarshall@gmail.com

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  43. I love this series. The recipe looks delicious! Thank you for this chance! areewekidding@yahoo.com

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  44. My favorite thing to do is tea. When I went to England I had it every day during all my trips. I. Have a tea room locally I love to go too. Cn hardly wait to read this book!
    oneponychick66@hotmail.com

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  45. I had to pin this recipe. It looks so good! Thanks for the chance to win!

    ElaineE246 at msn dot com

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  46. How exciting! These recipes look so yummy!! Thank you for sharing! Can't wait to read your books!! Cbalevre@ptd.net

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  47. the picture is lovely but I think I'll pass. They'd never serve it at High Tea.RUTH NIXON

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    Replies
    1. I forgot my email ruthenixon@sbcglobal.net thanks Ruth

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  48. Great recipe! I really love this series and can't wait to read "The Diva Serves High Tea". Thanks for a great giveaway.
    diannekc8(at)gmail(dot)com

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  49. I always add chicken broth and then maybe almonds to quinoa, for more flavor. This recipe hits the spot, Krista!
    lola777_22 at hotmail dot com

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  50. Congrats on the book. Can't wait to read it.

    gibsonbk at hiwaay dot net

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  51. I'll pass on the salad but love the series! Please add my name to the draw.
    kpbarnett1941[at]aol.com

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  52. Sounds delicious - I love all those ingredients, just haven't had them together.

    brookeb811 at gmail.com

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  53. That is one amazing salad. Wish I could serve it at the grocery store! I'd also be thrilled to win a copy of the amazing series! Shobrock66@gmail.com

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  54. Is it June 7th yet? I can't wait!!! utaker555@gmail.com

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  55. Fingers crossed - love the Diva series. Can you do another book based around the Thanksgiving season again? i reread all of you Diva books that happen around a holiday as soon as that month hits.

    dawnsmedley69@gmail.com

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  56. Have added this to my TBR list and can't wait to read it brichardson0056@yahoo.com

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    Replies
    1. Congratulations, Becky! You are our winner!

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  57. Sounds like a great lunch to eat while reading your new book! Thankyou for the opportunity! Jill Broussard; minishoes@msn.com

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  58. I love Quinoa. I make a Quinoa-black bean-white corn, red onions, chopped pecans salad with a oil-vinegar dressing with just a bit of agave for sweetness (like sweet & sour!) kh38668@yahoo.com

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  59. I'm one who does not like quinoa. So I'll have the other stuff. ;)

    pmettert@yahoo.com

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  60. I can't wait to read the next Diva book! This salad looks awesome -- I love quinoa!

    Susan
    sbarr1313@yahoo.com

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