Quinoa Salad - Fresh and Healthy
This vibrant Quinoa Salad is a refreshing, healthy dish packed with nutrients. Combining the nutty flavor of quinoa with fresh vegetables, tangy lemon juice, and a hint of olive oil, this salad is not only delicious but also versatile. Perfect as a light lunch, a side dish for dinner, or a satisfying snack, it’s a meal that will leave you feeling nourished and energized. The best part? It’s gluten-free, vegan, and loaded with plant-based protein!
Ingredients
- 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
- 2 cups water
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1/4 red onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh mint, chopped
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions
Cook the Quinoa. Start by bringing 2 cups of water to a boil in a medium saucepan. Add the rinsed quinoa, reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for 15 minutes or until the water is absorbed and the quinoa is fluffy. Remove from heat and let it cool.
Prepare the Vegetables. While the quinoa is cooling, prepare the vegetables. Halve the cherry tomatoes, dice the cucumber and red bell pepper, and finely chop the red onion, parsley, and mint.
Mix the Salad. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled quinoa, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red bell pepper, red onion, parsley, and mint. Drizzle the olive oil and lemon juice over the salad, then toss everything together until well combined.
Season to Taste. Season the salad with salt and pepper to taste. Toss again to ensure the flavors are evenly distributed.
Serve the quinoa salad immediately or refrigerate it for later. It’s delicious both chilled and at room temperature.
Recipe tips
For added protein, consider mixing in some chickpeas or grilled chicken. If you like a bit of crunch, toss in some toasted almonds or sunflower seeds. The salad can be made a day ahead; the flavors meld together beautifully over time. Adjust the lemon juice and olive oil to your taste; some prefer a zestier or richer salad.
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
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