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Healthy Quinoa Salad Recipe Easy Homemade Fresh Veggies with Lemon Vinaigrette

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A quick and easy quinoa salad with fresh veggies and a bright lemon vinaigrette, perfect for a light lunch or side dish. This healthy salad is adaptable, nutritious, and ready in about 25 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup quinoa (170g), rinsed well
  • 2 cups water or low-sodium vegetable broth (480ml)
  • 1 medium cucumber, diced
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes (150g), halved
  • 1 small red bell pepper, diced
  • 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh mint leaves, chopped (optional)
  • 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil (60ml)
  • 1 small garlic clove, minced
  • 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup (can omit for vegan)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Rinse the quinoa under cold running water for about 30 seconds using a fine mesh strainer to remove bitterness.
  2. Transfer rinsed quinoa to a medium saucepan. Add 2 cups water or vegetable broth. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce to a simmer and cover. Cook for 15 minutes or until quinoa is tender and water is absorbed.
  3. Remove from heat and let sit, covered, for 5 minutes. Fluff quinoa gently with a fork and transfer to a large bowl to cool slightly.
  4. While quinoa cooks, dice cucumber, halve cherry tomatoes, dice red bell pepper, finely chop red onion, and chop parsley and mint if using.
  5. In a small bowl or jar, whisk together lemon juice, olive oil, minced garlic, honey or maple syrup, salt, and pepper until emulsified.
  6. Pour vinaigrette over cooled quinoa. Add chopped veggies and herbs. Toss gently but thoroughly to coat evenly.
  7. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or lemon juice as needed.
  8. Serve immediately at room temperature or refrigerate for 30 minutes to let flavors meld before serving.

Notes

Rinsing quinoa is essential to remove bitterness. Let quinoa cool before adding veggies to prevent wilting. Whisk vinaigrette vigorously or shake in a jar to emulsify. Adjust seasoning at the end for best flavor. Salad can be served immediately or chilled for a refreshing bite. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days; keep vinaigrette separate if storing longer.

Nutrition

Keywords: quinoa salad, healthy salad, lemon vinaigrette, fresh veggies, quick salad, gluten-free, vegetarian, vegan option

Find it online: https://lucastable.com/healthy-quinoa-salad-recipe-easy-homemade-fresh-veggies-with-lemon-vinaigrette/