Quinoa (pronounced KEEN-wah) is a 7,000-year-old plant that originated in the mountainous regions of South America. While it is commonly known as an “ancient grain,” quinoa is technically not a grain or cereal grain, but a seed, and does not contain gluten. Quinoa is one of the most protein-rich foods we can eat. It is a complete protein containing all nine essential amino acids. Quinoa is also a great source of fiber, lysine riboflavin (B2) magnesium, and manganese. Did we mention that it's gluten free too? 

Try quinoa in this delicious salad:

Sweet Potato Quinoa Salad with Walnuts and Raisins

Ingredients

• 1 sweet potato large, peeled and cut into medium cubes
• 2 tablespoons olive oil divided
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 cup quinoa cooked
• 3 cups baby arugula
• 1 red onion small, sliced thin
• 1/2 cup walnuts roughly chopped
• 1/2 cup raisins
• 1 tablespoon dark balsamic vinegar

Instructions

• Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Toss the diced sweet potato in 1 tablespoon olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread onto a baking sheet in one even layer. Roast for approximately 1 hour, or until potatoes are soft and beginning to brown. Remove from oven, dust with cinnamon and cool completely.

• While potatoes are cooling, toss together quinoa, arugula, onion, walnuts and raisins. Top with cooled potatoes. Drizzle with remaining olive oil and balsamic vinegar.