Description
Favorite Quinoa Salad is a vibrant and nourishing dish combining protein-rich quinoa with fresh, crisp vegetables and a bright, zesty dressing. Perfect for lunches, dinners, or picnics, this healthy salad is easy to prepare, adaptable, and packed with balanced flavors that you’ll want to enjoy again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Salad Base
- 1 cup quinoa
- 1 cucumber, finely diced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, finely diced
- 1 red bell pepper, finely diced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, roughly chopped
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced
Dressing
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice (natural)
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (natural)
- 3 tablespoons olive oil (natural)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (natural)
- Salt (natural), to taste
- Black pepper (natural), to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Quinoa: Rinse 1 cup of quinoa under cold water until the water runs clear to remove bitterness. Cook it in 2 cups of boiling water until all water is absorbed and quinoa is fluffy, about 15 minutes. Set aside and allow to cool completely before mixing with other ingredients.
- Chop the Vegetables: While the quinoa cools, finely dice the cucumber, cherry tomatoes, and red bell pepper. Roughly chop the fresh parsley and thinly slice the green onions to add fresh, crisp flavors and vibrant color to your salad.
- Make the Zesty Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons lemon juice (natural), 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (natural), 3 tablespoons olive oil (natural), 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (natural), and salt and black pepper (natural) to taste. This dressing offers a bright and tangy finish to the salad.
- Toss Everything Together: In a large bowl, combine the cooled quinoa with the chopped vegetables. Pour the dressing over the mixture and gently fold until all ingredients are well combined. Adjust seasoning as needed to achieve a balanced flavor.
Notes
- Rinse quinoa well to remove any bitterness and ensure a clean flavor.
- Allow quinoa to cool fully to avoid a mushy salad and maintain fresh textures.
- Chop vegetables uniformly for balanced bites and a visually appealing presentation.
- Always taste and adjust the dressing before serving; adding a bit more lemon juice or salt can brighten the salad.
- This salad can be served chilled or at room temperature according to your preference.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: quinoa salad, healthy salad, vegetarian salad, gluten free, easy lunch, nutritious meal
