Quinoa salad is a delightful and healthy dish that can be enjoyed any time of the year. It's packed with nutrients and can be customized with your favorite ingredients. Whether you're looking for a light meal or a side dish, this quinoa salad is sure to satisfy.
Ingredients
- 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
- 2 cups water or vegetable broth
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 red onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh mint, chopped
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Cook the Quinoa: In a pot, bring the water or broth to a boil. Add the rinsed quinoa, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 15 minutes or until the quinoa is tender. Once cooked, fluff with a fork and let it cool.
Prepare the Vegetables: In a large bowl, combine the diced cucumber, red bell pepper, red onion, cherry tomatoes, parsley, and mint.
Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, and Dijon mustard. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Combine: Add the cooled quinoa to the bowl with the vegetables. Pour the dressing over the quinoa and vegetables, and gently toss to combine. Adjust seasoning if necessary.
Serve: Serve the quinoa salad chilled or at room temperature. It's perfect as a light meal or a side dish.
Tips
- Add Proteins: To make this salad more filling, you can add grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu.
- Experiment with Flavors: Feel free to experiment with different dressings or add other herbs and spices to suit your taste.
For more delicious salad recipes, check out our Salad Recipes Collection. Enjoy your quinoa salad! 🍽️