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Fresh Healthy Food Menu Vibrant Quinoa Salad Recipe Easy and Nutritious

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A quick and easy vibrant quinoa salad packed with fresh vegetables, herbs, and a zesty lemon dressing. Perfect for a healthy, colorful, and satisfying meal any time.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup (170g) quinoa, rinsed well
  • 2 cups (480ml) water or low-sodium vegetable broth
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 medium cucumber, diced
  • 1 red bell pepper, diced
  • 1/2 red onion, finely chopped (optional)
  • 1/2 cup shredded carrots
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves, chopped
  • 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1 garlic clove, minced
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup (optional)
  • Optional add-ins:
  • 1/4 cup toasted almonds or walnuts
  • 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
  • 1/4 cup cooked chickpeas

Instructions

  1. Rinse 1 cup quinoa under cold running water using a fine mesh strainer to remove bitterness.
  2. In a medium saucepan, combine rinsed quinoa with 2 cups water or vegetable broth. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes or until liquid is absorbed.
  3. Remove from heat and let sit, covered, for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork and transfer to a large mixing bowl to cool slightly.
  4. While quinoa cooks, halve cherry tomatoes, dice cucumber and red bell pepper, finely chop red onion (if using), and shred carrots. Roughly chop parsley and mint. Add all to the bowl with quinoa once it’s lukewarm.
  5. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, fresh lemon juice, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, salt, pepper, and honey or maple syrup if using until fully combined and slightly thickened.
  6. Pour the dressing over the quinoa and veggies. Toss gently but thoroughly to mix everything evenly.
  7. Fold in optional add-ins like toasted nuts, crumbled feta, or chickpeas if desired.
  8. Taste the salad and adjust seasoning with extra salt, pepper, or lemon juice as needed.
  9. Refrigerate for 20-30 minutes before serving for flavors to meld, or enjoy immediately.

Notes

Rinse quinoa well to remove bitterness. Use vegetable broth instead of water for extra flavor. Fluff quinoa gently after cooking to keep grains separate. Toast nuts separately for added crunch and flavor. Make dressing just before tossing salad to keep it fresh. Adjust seasoning carefully and taste as you go. Salad keeps well refrigerated for up to 3 days. Add a splash of olive oil or lemon juice if quinoa feels dry.

Nutrition

Keywords: quinoa salad, healthy salad, fresh vegetables, lemon vinaigrette, easy quinoa recipe, vegetarian, gluten-free, nutritious salad

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