Butter Lettuce and Arugula Salad with Hazelnuts and Crispy Quinoa (Low FODMAP)

20 Minutes prep • 5 Minutes cook • Low FODMAP • Gluten-free • Serves 4 • Ok to make ahead: Steps 1-2

Creamy dressing, crispy quinoa, and crunchy hazelnuts come together to make this salad not only delicious but nutritious, beautiful, and decidedly different from the usual salad. Perfect on its own or as an accompaniment to your favorite main course, this salad is easy to prepare ahead and toss together at the last minute.

Ingredients: Salad

1 tablespoon coconut oil

1/2 cup cooked and cooled quinoa

1 head red or green butter lettuce

2 cups arugula

1/2 cup toasted hazelnuts, roughly chopped

1/2 cup dried cranberries

Ingredients: Dressing

1/4 cup Meyer lemon juice

2 tablespoons red wine vinegar

1 tablespoon maple syrup

1 teaspoon Smoke N Sanity Essence of Garlic Salt (use code IBSGC15 for 15% discount)

1 teaspoon equal parts dried oregano, basil, and parsley

Pinch each Kosher salt and black pepper

1/3 cup lactose-free sour cream

3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

Directions

(1) Toast the quinoa: Heat the coconut oil over high heat in a frying pan. Once it's hot, add the cooked quinoa and saute for about 2-3 minutes until dry and crisp. You will notice the steam will release and you will hear the quinoa crackling as it cooks. After about 3 minutes, set aside to cool completely. 

(2) Make the dressing: In a small jar combine the lemon juice, vinegar, maple syrup, garlic salt, herbs, salt, pepper, sour cream, and olive oil. Shake to combine, taste for seasoning, and alter as you wish. This can be made up to a week in advance and kept refrigerated until you’re ready to use.

(3) Finish: Toss both types of lettuce together in the dressing to coat, top with the crispy quinoa, hazelnuts, and cranberries and serve immediately. 

Eat and enjoy every bite because you can!

This recipe was inspired by a similar recipe published in 2013 by Sara Forte of the Sprouted Kitchen.

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