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Best Quinoa Salad Recipe – Healthy, Easy & Perfect for Meal Prep

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Quinoa Salad 🥗 is a nutrient-packed, colorful dish that’s not only healthy but also incredibly versatile. Quinoa, known for its high protein and fiber content, pairs wonderfully with a mix of fresh vegetables and a tangy dressing to create a salad that’s both satisfying and light. Whether you’re looking for a hearty lunch, a side dish for dinner, or a perfect potluck contribution, this quinoa salad will hit the spot. With its vibrant colors and fresh flavors, it’s a crowd-pleaser that everyone will enjoy.

Recipe Preparation Equipment:

  • Medium saucepan 🍲
  • Large mixing bowl 🥣
  • Knife 🔪
  • Chopping board 🧑‍🍳
  • Measuring cups and spoons 🧑‍🍳

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup quinoa (rinsed) 🍚
  • 2 cups water or vegetable broth 🌱
  • 1 cucumber, diced 🥒
  • 1 red bell pepper, diced 🌶️
  • 1/2 red onion, finely chopped 🧅
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved 🍅
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped 🌿
  • 1/4 cup olive oil 🫒
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice 🍋
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar 🍏
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano 🌿
  • Salt and pepper to taste 🧂

How to make Easy Quinoa Salad:

Step 1:

Rinse the quinoa 🍚 thoroughly under cold water to remove any bitterness. In a medium saucepan 🍲, combine the quinoa and water or vegetable broth 🌱. Bring it to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and let it simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the water is absorbed and the quinoa is tender. Remove from heat and let it sit for 5 minutes before fluffing with a fork.

Step 2:

While the quinoa is cooking, chop the cucumber 🥒, red bell pepper 🌶️, red onion 🧅, and cherry tomatoes 🍅 into bite-sized pieces. Add all the chopped vegetables into a large mixing bowl 🥣.

Step 3:

Once the quinoa has cooled, fluff it with a fork and add it to the mixing bowl with the chopped vegetables.

Step 4:

In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil 🫒, lemon juice 🍋, apple cider vinegar 🍏, oregano 🌿, salt 🧂, and pepper 🌶️. Pour the dressing over the quinoa and vegetables, then toss everything to combine well.

Step 5:

Garnish with fresh parsley 🌿 for an added burst of flavor and color. Serve immediately, or refrigerate for 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

Variations:

  • Protein-Packed Quinoa Salad 💪: Add cooked chickpeas, black beans, or grilled chicken for extra protein.
  • Mediterranean Quinoa Salad 🇬🇷: Add feta cheese 🧀, Kalamata olives 🫒, and a drizzle of extra olive oil for a Mediterranean twist.
  • Spicy Quinoa Salad 🌶️: Add a diced jalapeño or a pinch of cayenne pepper for a spicy kick.

Cooking Note:

To make this salad ahead of time, store the quinoa and veggies separately, and add the dressing just before serving. This helps maintain the freshness of the vegetables and keeps the salad from becoming soggy.

Serving Suggestions:

  • Serve this quinoa salad as a standalone lunch 🥗 or dinner 🍽️.
  • It pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken 🍗, fish 🐟, or even a veggie burger 🍔 for a satisfying meal.
  • This salad also makes a perfect side dish for BBQs 🍖 or picnics 🧺.

Helpful Tips:

  • Fluff the quinoa: Make sure to fluff the quinoa with a fork to separate the grains. This helps the quinoa stay light and fluffy, rather than clumpy.
  • Use broth for extra flavor: Cooking quinoa in vegetable broth 🌱 instead of water gives the quinoa more flavor.
  • Chill the salad: For even more flavor, refrigerate the salad for 30 minutes before serving to let the dressing fully soak into the quinoa and vegetables.

Tips for the Best Quinoa Salad:

  • Use fresh veggies: Fresh, crunchy vegetables like cucumbers 🥒 and bell peppers 🌶️ are key for texture and flavor.
  • Customize the dressing: Feel free to adjust the dressing according to your taste. You can add more lemon juice 🍋 for tanginess or more olive oil 🫒 for richness.
  • Store leftovers properly: Store any leftover salad in an airtight container 🧑‍🍳 in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Prep Time:

15 minutes ⏰

Cooking Time:

15 minutes 🕒

Total Time:

30 minutes ⏳

Nutritional Information:

Calories: 220 kcal
Protein: 6g 💪
Sodium: 300mg 🧂
Carbs: 35g
Fat: 10g 🧈

FAQs:

Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes! This salad can be made a day ahead and stored in the fridge 🧊. Just add the dressing right before serving for the freshest taste.

Can I use a different grain instead of quinoa?
Absolutely! You can substitute quinoa with couscous, farro, or even rice 🍚. The flavor will change slightly, but it will still be delicious.

How can I make this salad vegan?
This quinoa salad is already vegan 🌱! If you want to make it even more filling, add some roasted vegetables 🥦 or chickpeas for extra protein.

Conclusion:

This Quinoa Salad 🥗 is a delicious, colorful, and healthy dish that’s easy to prepare and full of fresh flavors. Whether you enjoy it as a meal or a side dish, it’s the perfect choice for anyone looking for a light yet filling option. With its customizable ingredients and refreshing dressing, this salad is sure to become a favorite in your recipe rotation. Enjoy it for lunch, dinner, or a picnic in the sun!

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