This recipe for Refreshing Quinoa Salad strikes the perfect balance of flavor, crunch, and beneficial properties for your body. When you are trying to eat healthily, this salad can serve as either a light lunch, a side dish, or even the main course if you like. It’s not only simple to prepare but also packed with vital nutrients. You’ll want to put this delectable recipe on your list of meals to make again and again.
Ingredients
- 1 cup uncooked quinoa
- 2 cups water
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup cucumber, diced
- 1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/2 cup fresh mint, chopped
- 1/4 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and chopped
- 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
Instructions
- Rinse the quinoa under cold water to remove any bitterness.
- In a medium saucepan, combine the quinoa, water, and salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and cover. Cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the quinoa has absorbed all the water and is tender. Fluff with a fork and let it cool to room temperature.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled quinoa, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, parsley, mint, olives, and feta cheese.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, red wine vinegar, garlic, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the dressing over the salad and gently toss to combine. Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary.
- Serve immediately, or refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld together.
Health Benefits
The main ingredient, quinoa, is a big reason why this Refreshing Quinoa Salad is a great choice for a healthy meal. This old grain is a complete protein that gives your body all nine of the important amino acids it needs. It also has a lot of fiber, which makes processing easier and makes you feel fuller for longer. Also, quinoa has vitamins like magnesium, phosphorus, and manganese that are good for you. The veggies in this salad add a lot of vitamins, antioxidants, and other nutrients, and the dressing, which is made with olive oil, adds heart-healthy fats. Overall, this food is a nutritional powerhouse that will fill you up and give you energy.
This recipe for Refreshing Quinoa Salad is not only a tasty and healthy addition to your meal plans, but it’s also easy to make and can be used in many different ways. It’s a great choice for anyone who wants a healthy, filling meal because it’s full of important nutrients and full of taste. Try this recipe for a salad made with quinoa that tastes great and is good for your health.
Enjoy!
