quinoa with basil pesto

(dairy free and gluten free)

I couldn't resist the basil at the farmers market!  This delicious dish is so creamy you won't miss the cheese.  This is a great side dish for summer BBQs.  It's also yummy main dish for vegetarians because quinoa is packed with protein.  It travels well and can be served room temperature.

Notes: 

Pesto is one of those recipes where I eyeball the amount of each ingredient.  Some days I want more garlic or salt.  Other times I may want it thicker so I'll add less olive oil.  Here you go…

ingredients:

1 bunch of basil

1 garlic clove, pealed

salt and pepper

extra virgin olive oil 

nuts: (Optional) I like to add a fist full.  Pine nuts are traditionally used.  However, I also like to use walnuts or sunflower seeds--whatever I have in stock.

quinoa--as much as you need for the group you're cooking for!

directions:

1. Using a food process or a high speed blender, combine the basil, garlic, salt, paper, olive oil and nuts until it reaches your desired consistency. 

2. Mix the pesto with quinoa.