Basil Quinoa with Red Bell Pepper

With quinoa playing the starring role, nutrients abound in this full-flavored side dish. A great addition to any dinner, this dish goes especially well with a crisp salad. To make ahead, prepare as directed, except do not sprinkle with sunflower seeds. Cover and chill for up to 6 hours. Sprinkle with sunflower seeds before serving. Ingredients 1 cup fresh basil leaves, lightly packed 2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese, freshly grated 2 tablespoons lemon juice 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil 4 cloves garlic, minced (2 teaspoons minced) 2 cups cooked quinoa* 1 cup red bell pepper, chopped 1/2 cup green onions, sliced 1/4 cup sunflower seeds, shelled kosher salt freshly ground black pepper Instructions In a small saucepan, bring 2 cups water to boiling. In a small bowl, combine cold water and ice cubes to make an ice bath. Add the basil to the boiling water; stir once and drain immediately. Place basil in the ice bath to cool quickly. Gently squeeze out any excess water. Place basil in a food processor. Add Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, olive oil, and garlic. Cover and process until nearly smooth. In a medium bowl, stir together cooked quinoa, bell pepper, and green onions. Add basil mixture; stir to coat. Season to taste with kosher salt and black pepper. Sprinkle with sunflower seeds. Nutritional Information Makes: 8 servings Serving size: N/A Calories 123 Fat 7g Saturated fat 1g Cholesterol 1mg Sodium 115mg Carbohydrates 13g Dietary fiber 2g Protein 4g