Pitta Quinoa, Feta and Avocado Salad

Pitta Quinoa, Feta and Avocado Salad

Quinoa Salad (with chickpeas, feta, tomatoes, avocado) 4.JPG

Pitta, Quinoa, Feta and Avocado Salad. I have also added info for the other doshas, so don't be put off by the 'Pitta' title. Read through and adapt it for yourself.

Quinoa is a seed rather than a grain and it provides an excellent source of protein for all types, although it can be a little dry for Vata. 

Quinoa is good for all the doshas. People trying to balance Vata can eat it with a little olive oil or ghee.

Cheese - Pitta should always keep their cheese intake to a minimum according to Ayurveda, cheese is considered a 'sour' food, one of Ayurveda’s six tastes. The sour taste balances

The sour taste balances Vata while increasing Pitta and Kapha. Also, cheeses have the qualities of that are heavy, dense, and wet, so it's good for Vata, no so good for the other two doshas. It's really about choosing a cheese that's not a sour as others and in this Pitta lunch, just using a small portion to add 'zing' to your dish.

Avocado - Although Avocado is unusually high in fats, it has no cholesterol and is an excellent choice for those wanting to lose weight. Officially it's on the list of foods for Kapha types to avoid. However, avocado can be a very satisfying replacement for butter, cheese, and even creamy desserts, moderating your appetite for these less-healthy foods. Plus, it provides the healthy fats your body needs, essential Omega 3's and 6's which are necessary for a healthy metabolism. This buttery green fruit is also packed with vitamins, minerals and even complete proteins. John Immel

I love this dish hot or cold, we need to understand that Ayurveda does not recommend eating too much raw food, raw foods have been somewhat of a fad, and many are not benefitting from the cold energetics that raw food brings to the system.

Raw foods on their own can create an imbalance, particularly in the Vata and Kapha Dosha.

I like to counteract eating cold foods with a warm addition, a bowl of soup or jacket potatoes.

Even though Pitta is balanced by cooling foods and drinks as the Pitta dosha is 'fire', it's wise to not eat too many cold foods as it taxes the digestive system. 

I love to eat salads, the digestive system is at its highest at midday, it makes more sense to eat raw food and salads at this time of the day.

This is a good short video that shows how to cook quinoa

Ingredients

  • 1 cup of quinoa, always rinse well to remove any starch
  • A quatre of a cup of crumbled light Feta or goats cheese
  • A small handful of mixed dried fruit of your choice, chopped up well
  • A small tin of chickpeas
  • A small handful of pumpkin and sunflower seeds.
  • 1 large ripe avocado, peeled and chopped into small chunks
  • 2 spring onions, chopped small, including the green stems.
  • Pinch of salt
  • The juice of a fresh lemon
  • 2 tablespoons  extra-virgin olive oil
  • Quarter teaspoon ground coriander  
  • Quarter teaspoon ground cumin
  • A teaspoon of fennel seeds.
  • Half a teaspoon of turmeric

Directions

Soak the dried fruit in a bowl of hot water for 5 /10 mins whilst they plump up, drain for later.
Follow the directions on the packet for your quinoa and simmer until the water is absorbed and the quinoa is translucent and tender usually about 15 mins or so.

Immediately fluff up the quinoa with a fork, choose to cool it to room temperature, or have it warm.
In a bowl finely grate the zest of the lemon and then give the lemon a good squeeze, 
whisk the lemon zest and juice with the olive oil, coriander, cumin.

In a large bowl, toss the vinaigrette with the quinoa, dried fruits, chickpeas, avocado and spring onions.

Sprinkled the crumbled cheese on the top 

Season to taste with salt and pepper then serve.

Linda Bretherton
Ayurveda Master Trainer

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