There are, on numerous occasions, when I read an article and then somehow find myself lost in the comment section. For most articles, I find at least 25% of the comments verbally slap someone across the face, 50% are of people telling someone why the article or that person is stupid, 15% of the comments are incoherent, and a mere 10% leaving a simple comment on the article. I sometimes don't understand. Actually, I don't understand at all: why there is so much hate, concern for other's lives, and an overall feeling of, "I'm right, you're wrong."
As of recent, my time on the internet has been limited to this space and work. I rarely have time to read blogs or articles, but when I do, I try my best to leave a positive note or send an email. There is so much negativity out there that I hope my small effort of gratefulness makes a dent. It's easy to let negative comments stick and to let all the positive slip away.
The internet is a funny (powerful) thing.
This all came about when I clicked on a facebook status asking people what was the "one bad food" people still indulged in. It opened the floodgates for a "holier than thou" debate and after reading through I just felt sad. People were yelling at other people for eating cheese or for mentioning chocolate. Discourse is good, judgement and attitude is bad. Maybe it's the morals my grade school teachers instilled in me but I still believe if you don't have anything nice (or positive criticism, or intellectual discourse) to say, keep your mouth shut and your fingers off the keyboard.
No worries, that doesn't happen here often. I'm talking more in general. So really, thank you for being kind and positive. I appreciate it and even thought I'm not always the best at responding, know that I read and enjoy everything.
So, onto the reason you came to this post. As promised, here is the first of the two salads I packed away for the picnic. I wanted something light and easy to throw together. The quinoa was already cooked and it took a mere five minutes to whip up the pesto and put the salad together. I also really love raw zucchini for a fresh component to this salad. It's perfect to pack away and take on a picnic!
For the full picnic post, click here!
PrintZucchini Ribbon, Quinoa, and Pesto Salad
- Prep Time: 5 mins
- Total Time: 5 mins
- Yield: 3-4 1x
Ingredients
- 1 large zucchini
- ½ cup cooked quinoa
- Pesto
- 2 cups packed basil leaves
- 2 clove garlic
- ¼ cup raw pine nuts
- ⅓ cup Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
Instructions
- Using a vegetable peeler, peel zucchini into ribbons or, make zucchini noodles with a julienne or spiral peeler . Combine quinoa and zucchini in a bowl.
- In a dry skillet, lightly toast pine nuts. Set aside and let cool slightly. In a food processor, pulse garlic. Add in basil, pine nuts, parmesan cheese, olive oil, and lemon juice. Pulse until well combined, adding more olive oil lemon juice, or water as needed to thin consistency.
- Toss pesto with zucchini and lentils. Pack away for a picnic or eat right away.
Shanna says
"Actually, I don’t understand at all: why there is so much hate, concern for other’s lives, and an overall feeling of, 'I’m right, you’re wrong.'"
Tim and I talked about something similar to this today, and it bummed me out, too. Makes me long for more kind, generous voices.. of which you are one.
PS - Great minds think alike! Zucchini ribbons on FLW today too. Love it!
elalderson says
You are too kind, you and Tim are as well. I think it's easy to get drowned out by all the angry ones 🙂 And great minds really do think alike 🙂 Zucchini ribbons all the way!
Leenyburgh says
I totally agree about what you said about article comments -- why is it that people think anything goes just because it's anonymous? Ugh. Anyway, I am trying to cook more with quinoa and pesto, so this caught my eye. You have lentils in the directions, so I'm assuming that you can use lentils OR quinoa? I think either sounds great. I just bought some lentils and only know how to make soup with them. Anyway, I'm enjoying your site a lot -- keep up the good work!
elalderson says
Yes- either work well! I started making this salad with lentils but changed my mind (mainly because I only had green lentils and the green/green/green combo wasn't going to work for photos :). Thank you!
Bethany says
I was just going to ask the same question about quinoa in the ingredient list and lentils in the directions. I'm adding this to the next menu right now! 🙂
Maria Tadic says
I really love raw zucchini! People should try it more often - I love the crunch and light springy flavor it has! And it's also always good with pesto...but what isn't?!
Joanne (eats well with others) says
I've seen some of that hate and negativity and it's awful!! I always try to leave on a positive note as well. And with this lovely salad, it's really not hard to. 🙂
HalfBakedHarvest says
Mmm! This looks incredible!
Jennifer says
I make something very similar to this all the time. So good!
xo Jennifer
http://seekingstyleblog.wordpress.com
Jennifer @ Delicieux says
What a gorgeous salad Erin! This looks like something I'd love for lunch. As for the negativity and horrible comments, I think it's all too easy for people to hide behind a keyboard. I'm sure 99% of those people would never say the things they do if they were face to face. Like I you, I believe if you haven't got something nice to say don't say anything at all....and treat others with the way you would like to be treated.
meg says
Thank you for this sweet post!
VeriHolden says
In response to your beautifully written post, I would like to say - Bravo, well done, and keep up the good work, your food is a daily inspiration to me. Thank you
Return to the Root says
I love this post because it is so true and I feel the exact same way. All in all I believe that it's important, albeit necessary, to step away from the internet sometimes just to remind yourself that that is not a real place and people act differently there than they would in person. (sad but true) All that being said, I really need to invest in a good veggie peeler because this looks divine- thank you!
Warm Vanilla Sugar says
I have small traffic coming to my blog, so luckily I don't get negative comments (maybe once a year), but I totally agree. If I don't like something someone posted, I just click away...I don't really get "fighting" over the internet. People are so much braver when there isn't an actual face to talk to. It's interesting, and super annoying. Great post!
Laurette says
I like the recipe as well as the post. Thanks 🙂
Stefanie @ Sarcastic Cooking says
It is so easy for people to speak negatively when they have the internet to hide behind. I am so happy that most people who comment on my blog and this blog are generally nice courteous people. I am loving these picnic recipes. So easy and light, perfect for summer.
Auntiepatch says
Amen!
cleocreek says
Naturally Ella, thank you so much for sharing with us - this post especially and always your recipes.
Ashlyn says
What a great gluten free dish that is seasonal! Thanks for sharing!
Tj's Mama says
My husband is on a quinoa kick, so thank you much for these great recipes! Three cheers for Naturally Ella! Great recipes! Beautiful photos! Power of positive thinking! Ciao...
lisa says
Good post. Agreed. Too much stuff that makes my heart and tummy hurt. But, good news...your posts make my tummy hungry (that's a good thing) and my heart smile (doggie on the beach).
nessa says
I hate when people berate others in comments. If you wouldn't say it to the person's face, then you shouldn't say it online. This quinoa salad looks fabulous 🙂
Bethany says
We just had this for dinner, along with some lemon garlic tilapia, and it was delicous!!
Gaby says
I made this for a potluck and was showered with compliments---which, I passed onto you. I hope you don't mind my commenting on some of your recipes--I saw a rude-ish comment a while back, wanted to make sure you knew there are (I'm sure) loads of people recreating your delicious and wholesome meals!
Teresa says
Hi! This recipe looks awesome. My mother in law and I want to fix it for ourselves, but we're concerned our hubbies won't like it. However, I love the glass jars in this post. Where does one purchase jars like this?
I have only recently stumbled upon your website. It's beautiful, and I love that you have your recipes arranged by season!
Thanks so much,
Teresa
erin says
Hey Teresa, They are Weck jars (http://weckjars.com/)!
Barbara says
It looks like something I'd like to try! It would even be easier with store bought pesto. I keep a jar that I buy at Costco on hand. And...you are correct. When did people get so mean?
Dani says
Yum...made my ingredient list this morn and needed to use some orange lentils and a zucchini. Love that I can search by ingredient here.
I love how you also offer substitutions. However I giggle when people sub so many ingredients it becomes a totally different recipe!