Why Quinoa?
Quinoa is a superfood that’s rich in protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals. It’s a versatile grain that’s gluten-free and perfect for those looking to maintain a healthy diet. Including quinoa in your meals can help boost your energy levels, support digestion, and keep you feeling full longer.
Ingredients
For the salad:
- 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
- 2 cups water
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 small red onion, finely chopped
- 1 cup canned chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh mint, chopped
- 1 avocado, diced
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
For the dressing:
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Cook the Quinoa: In a medium saucepan, bring 2 cups of water to a boil. Add the rinsed quinoa, reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 15 minutes or until the water is absorbed and the quinoa is tender. 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, finely chop the red onion, and drain and rinse the chickpeas.
Mix the Salad: In a large bowl, combine the cooled quinoa, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red bell pepper, red onion, chickpeas, parsley, and mint. Gently toss to mix.
Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper.
Combine Everything: Pour the dressing over the quinoa salad and toss to coat all the ingredients evenly. Add the diced avocado and crumbled feta cheese (if using), and gently mix.
Serve: Your quinoa salad is ready to serve! It can be enjoyed immediately or chilled in the refrigerator for an hour for a refreshing cold salad.
Tips for the Perfect Quinoa Salad
- Rinse the Quinoa: Rinsing quinoa before cooking removes its natural coating, called saponin, which can make it taste bitter.
- Cool the Quinoa: Allow the quinoa to cool completely before mixing it with the vegetables to prevent wilting and to maintain the salad’s texture.
- Customize Your Salad: Feel free to add or substitute ingredients based on your preferences. Grilled chicken, roasted vegetables, or different herbs can add unique flavors to your salad.
Nutritional Benefits
This quinoa salad is not only delicious but also incredibly nutritious. Quinoa is a complete protein, providing all nine essential amino acids. The vegetables add vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, while the olive oil and avocado offer healthy fats.
Conclusion
Our quinoa salad recipe is a fantastic choice for a healthy and satisfying meal. It’s easy to make, versatile, and perfect for any occasion. Share this recipe with your friends and family, and enjoy a nutritious meal together!
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