Vegan Balsamic Quinoa Salad

I'm loving this quinoa craze that has been going around. I first learned about quinoa in college and I remember being mad that I hadn't learned of it sooner. It is so tasty and stocked full of protein (and other good things). I love using, and eating, quinoa and experimenting with it. Pairing it with all different kinds of flavors is fun. This is one of my favorite quinoa salads I have made. It is similar to a pasta salad I use to frequent, but honestly tastier and so much healthier. I've made it on two separate occasions, for a graduation party with my extended family, and for a summer party with friends. Both times it was very much enjoyed and quickly gobbled up.

Balsamic Quinoa Salad, makes a big ol' bowl full:

2 cups quinoa
2 quarts vegetable broth

1/2 a red onion, chopped
1 red bell pepper, chopped
1/2 a cucumber, peeled slightly and chopped
1 13.75 oz can quartered artichoke hearts, chopped
1/4 cup pepperoncinis, chopped
2 cups baby spinach

2 teaspoons garlic powder (or to taste)
2 teaspoons italian seasoning (or to taste)
ground black pepper, to taste
1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil

Feta Cheese to top, optional

Directions: Bring 2 quarts vegetable broth and 2 cups quinoa to a boil. Reduce heat and cover, let simmer for 20 minutes. Uncover and check the quinoa's tenderness; you'll want it nice and tender. If still crunchy, let simmer longer. If it is fully cooked and still has some liquid remaining, drain the excess liquid in a fine strainer. Fluff with a fork and set aside to cool. If you are impatient, or late to party like I was, you can rinse the quinoa under cold water. This will make the quinoa loose some of it's flavor from the vegetable broth, though (I stirred in some bouillon to get it back).

Directions(cont): As your quinoa cools, chop up all of your veggies and place them in a large bowl. Once the quinoa has cooled, add it to the chopped vegetables and stir to combine. Mix in the baby spinach as well. Then, for the dressing, add the balsamic vinegar, olive oil, garlic, italian seasoning, and pepper. These measurements are approximate, and I always add a bit of each at a time and taste as I go. You may need to add more or less balsamic vinegar than what I suggested to get a good flavor. Chill in the refrigerator until serving but can be eaten right away. This is delicious topped with a sprinkle of feta cheese. When I serve this at parties, I like to set a little tub of feta cheese next to it, so those who want/eat cheese can top it with a bit of feta. It is just as tasty without cheese too!

Enjoy! And don't be surprised if it gets eaten rather quickly.

Alfredo's Vinyl Party

My friend Alfredo . . .

. . . hosts the best parties. I have been to a number of his gatherings and they have yet to disappoint. This weekend Alfredo invited us over for a Vinyl Party to kick off summer. It was very simple; people brought over their favorite vinyls and a selection of them were played throughout the night. There was BBQing, eating of so many yummy foods, great people, music listening, dancing, great conversation, games (Cards Against Humanity, anyone?) and plenty of pictures.

Will and I had fun learning of some new bands and chatting with everyone. I brought balsamic quinoa salad (recipe tomorrow!) and it seemed to be a hit. I'm ready for more summer nights with great friends. I'm now craving some live outdoor music, too. Thanks again, Alfredo, for always being lovely and putting together equally as lovely parties.

June Wishlist: Summer Dreamer

crop top / skirt / dress / sandals / lights / feather print / plant

I am excited for summer and all the opportunities warm weather brings. I'm just not ready for the melting heat. I think a pretty skirt or dress would make me feel better about it :) Now that I'm working out regularly, my upper body is getting fairly toned; I'm ready to show off my hard work with a crop top or a backless dress. I'm also desperately wanting a new pair of casual sandals. My poor Cachos are getting pretty worn and don't always go with everything. Despite the heat, this time of year usually has me feeling inspired. I've been inspired lately by plants and all that is growing and blooming around here. We've got lots of plants in this house, but there is always room for more. Another thing I have quite a bit of is feathers; I've been collecting little pretty ones for quite a while. I'm always looking for ideas for what to do with them. I'd also like to add some nice lights to our room (perhaps a DIY?). We had some string lights in our bedroom in Moscow and they were the perfect ambiance that I am missing.

What are you wishing for or dreaming about doing this summer? Just about every bone in this body if mine is aching for some adventure. I want to spend all day outside with a sun hat and a flowing skirt. We're hoping to take another camping trip here soon with some dear friends; that may just satisfy me for a while.

My Poor Butt: Revolt Check-In Week 5

Happy June everyone! Is anyone else freaking out that is June already? It's just hard to come to terms with the fact that we're already six months into 2013. It's really starting to feel like summer. It is almost Will's birthday. It has almost been a year now that we've been living in Boise, which is the biggest thing I'm really trying to wrap my head around. It seems like just yesterday we were stuffing our car and a trailer full of things for the drive down here, but at the same time it feels like no time has passed at all.

For once in my life, I can say I am ready and excited for the summer. You guys all know how much I hate the heat (and Boise summer's has no lack of it), but I am feeling fit and happy and ready to be outside exploring. I'm hoping we'll be able to take a longer camping trip at some point this summer; to really get out and relax and enjoy nature.

Revolt this week just about killed me. Or at least my rear-end. This is an extreme exaggeration, but do you want to hear a funny story? So, normally a week of Revolt exercises includes 3 days of cardio, 1 day of lower body sculpting, and 1 day of upper body sculpting (just not in that order). Well, Nichole was super lovely and had some extra awesome fat burning cardio blast workouts planned for us all this week to kick us into gear for the June 3rd uprising (wanna join me?!) that starts Monday. The workouts were great! But I had shut myself away from the internet for the weekend and was unaware of this change of plans. Also, I usually take a break on Saturday because Saturdays are my most busy days and it is easier for me to do my last cardio video/exercise on Sunday instead. I did this this week, and then decided to switch my Monday and Tuesday workouts too, making Monday's workout an intense lower body sculpting day. Well, Tuesday when I got back on the internet, I found out Monday was suppose to be a rest day! Since then I've been doing cardio blast type workouts all week. My poor little behind; all of those workouts were jam-packed with lunges and squat after squat. It has been quite a killer workout, and now I am getting a bit off a break. Even sitting down hurts :( But! I think you can see from my results this week that these intense workouts that kicked my butt (literally) were well worth it. Look at the change in my hip measurements:

My butt is feeling a little firmer and a little smaller too. I'm excited to start the next uprising on Monday. If any of you are interested in Revolt, you can always leave a comment or email me with questions!

P.S. I did 40 big girl x push-ups yesterday! My arms and chest are getting infinitely stronger.

P.P.S. Will is going to be joining my in my journey with Revolt! Look for some thoughts from him in next weeks post.

Disclaimer: I was chosen as a Revolt Fitness Program blogger and received free membership to try the fitness program. All results are real and my own. All opinions expressed are my own. This post contains affiliate links.