Looking for a quick and nutritious meal? This easy quinoa salad is packed with vibrant flavors and health benefits. It’s a fantastic dish that can be whipped up in no time using simple ingredients you likely have on hand.
Imagine a bowl filled with fluffy quinoa, crisp vegetables, and a zesty dressing that brings everything together. This recipe is perfect for meal prep or a light lunch, and it can easily be customized to suit your taste.
Colorful Ingredients for a Healthful Dish
This quinoa salad bursts with color and freshness, making it an appealing option for any meal. The base of fluffy quinoa provides a nutritious foundation, rich in protein and fiber.
Incorporating vibrant diced bell peppers adds crunch and sweetness, while the juicy cherry tomatoes provide a tangy pop. Crisp cucumbers lend a refreshing quality, creating a delightful textural contrast in each bite.
Finishing touches like freshly chopped parsley not only enhance the presentation but also impart a burst of herbal flavor, tying all the elements together beautifully.
Preparing the Quinoa
The key to a perfect quinoa salad lies in the preparation of the quinoa itself. Rinsing the quinoa thoroughly before cooking helps to remove any bitterness that may linger from the seed’s natural coating.
Once rinsed, cook the quinoa in water or vegetable broth to infuse it with additional flavor. Bringing it to a boil, then letting it simmer until fluffy ensures a light and airy texture that serves as a canvas for the vibrant vegetables.
Making a Zesty Dressing
A tangy dressing elevates this salad, and creating one is simple. Whisk together olive oil and lemon juice, adding salt and pepper to taste. This combination not only adds flavor but also brightens the overall dish.
The acidity from the lemon juice complements the freshness of the vegetables, enhancing every bite. Drizzling this dressing over the salad just before serving ensures that every ingredient is coated in zesty goodness.
Perfect for Any Occasion
This quinoa salad serves as a versatile dish that is perfect for various occasions. Whether for a light lunch, a picnic, or as a side at a barbecue, it fits seamlessly into any menu.
It can be prepared ahead of time, making it suitable for meal prepping. Allowing the flavors to meld in the refrigerator for an hour can enhance the taste, making it even more enjoyable when served cold or at room temperature.
Nutrition Packed and Satisfying
Not only is this quinoa salad visually appealing, but it is also packed with nutrients. Each serving provides a healthy balance of protein, carbohydrates, and fats, making it a fulfilling option.
With approximately 220 calories per serving, it’s an excellent choice for those looking to maintain a nutritious diet without sacrificing flavor. The combination of wholesome ingredients ensures that every bite is both satisfying and healthful.
Serving Suggestions and Variations
This salad is incredibly adaptable, inviting creativity in the kitchen. Consider adding other vegetables like shredded carrots or diced avocados for extra richness and flavor.
For a heartier version, toss in some chickpeas or grilled chicken, turning it into a complete meal. The possibilities are endless, allowing you to customize this dish based on seasonal ingredients or personal preferences.
Simple Quinoa Salad for Any Occasion
This quinoa salad is a refreshing mix of protein-rich quinoa, colorful bell peppers, crunchy cucumbers, and fresh herbs. The dressing adds a tangy zing that elevates the dish, making it satisfying and delicious.
Ingredients
- 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
- 2 cups water or vegetable broth
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook Quinoa: In a medium saucepan, combine quinoa and water or vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for about 15 minutes or until quinoa is fluffy.
- Prepare Vegetables: While quinoa cooks, chop the bell pepper, cucumber, cherry tomatoes, and red onion.
- Make Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
- Combine: In a large bowl, fluff the cooked quinoa with a fork. Add the chopped vegetables and parsley. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine.
- Serve: Enjoy immediately or refrigerate for an hour to let the flavors meld. Serve cold or at room temperature.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Servings: 4 servings
- Calories: 220kcal
- Fat: 10g
- Protein: 6g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
