Quinoa Vegetable Salad
Quinoa Vegetable Salad is a nutritious and wholesome dish that combines the protein-packed quinoa with a variety of fresh vegetables. Here’s a simple recipe for you:
Ingredients:
For The Salad:
- 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
- 2 cups water or vegetable broth
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1 bell pepper (any color), diced
- 1/2 red onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped
For The Dressing:
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional Additions:
- 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup black olives, sliced
- 1/4 cup toasted pine nuts or almonds
Instructions:
- Cook Quinoa:
- In a medium saucepan, combine quinoa and water or vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until the quinoa is cooked and the liquid is absorbed. Fluff the quinoa with a fork and let it cool.
- Prepare Vegetables:
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked quinoa, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, red onion, and fresh parsley or cilantro.
- Make the Dressing:
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Combine and Toss:
- Pour the dressing over the quinoa and vegetable mixture. Gently toss to coat all the ingredients with the dressing.
- Add Optional Ingredients:
- If using, add crumbled feta cheese, sliced black olives, and toasted pine nuts or almonds. Toss gently to combine.
- Chill and Serve:
- Refrigerate the quinoa vegetable salad for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld.
- Enjoy:
- Serve the quinoa vegetable salad as a refreshing and nutritious meal or as a side dish.
- Feel free to customize the salad by adding your favorite vegetables or adjusting the dressing ingredients to suit your taste. This salad is not only delicious but also a great source of plant-based protein and essential nutrients.
