Quinoa Salad Recipe
Quinoa salad is a vibrant, nutritious dish made with cooked quinoa mixed with various fresh vegetables, herbs, and a tangy dressing. It's rich in protein, fiber, and vitamins, making it an ideal choice for a healthy meal. Versatile and easy to customize, it's perfect for any dietary preference.
Equipment
- 1 glass bown
- 1 steel spoon
Ingredients
- 1 cup quinoa uncooked
- 2 cups water or vegetable broth for cooking quinoa
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
- 1 cucumber diced
- 1 bell pepper diced (color of your choice)
- 1/4 cup red onion finely chopped
- 1/3 cup kalamata olives pitted and sliced
- 1/4 cup feta cheese crumbled (optional)
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley finely chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh mint finely chopped
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 garlic clove minced
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by rinsing the quinoa under cold water to remove its natural coating, saponin, which can give it a bitter taste. In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed quinoa and water or vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the quinoa is fluffy and the water is absorbed. Let it cool to room temperature.1 cup quinoa, 2 cups water or vegetable broth
- While the quinoa cooks, take this time to chop and prepare your vegetables. The beauty of this salad lies in the freshness and color of the ingredients, so choose vibrant, ripe produce.1 cup cherry tomatoes, 1 cucumber, 1 bell pepper, 1/4 cup red onion, 1/3 cup kalamata olives, 1/4 cup feta cheese, 1/4 cup fresh parsley, 1/4 cup fresh mint
- In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. This dressing will tie all the flavors together, adding a zesty punch that elevates the dish.1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil, 2 tablespoons lemon juice, 1 garlic clove, 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard, Salt and pepper to taste
- In a large bowl, combine the cooled quinoa with the cherry tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, red onion, kalamata olives, and herbs. Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss until everything is beautifully coated. For a final touch of luxury, sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese over the top.
