Looking for a healthy dish that’s packed with protein and flavor? This quinoa salad is the perfect solution. Quinoa is not only nutritious but also versatile, making it a fantastic base for various ingredients that you likely have in your pantry.
This salad is a delightful mix of textures and tastes. With fresh vegetables, hearty quinoa, and a zesty dressing, each bite bursts with flavor, making it a satisfying meal or side dish.
Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or hosting a gathering, this quinoa salad will impress your guests and keep you feeling energized.
Vibrant Ingredients for a Wholesome Salad
A quinoa salad thrives on its colorful ingredients, each contributing to a delightful medley of flavors and textures.
Cherry tomatoes bring a burst of sweetness, while diced cucumbers add a refreshing crunch.
Bell peppers lend their crispness and vibrant hues, and fresh parsley introduces a fragrant note, enhancing the overall freshness of the dish.
This combination not only makes the salad visually appealing but also packs it with essential nutrients, making it a wholesome choice for any meal.
Whether served alone or as a side, each ingredient plays a crucial role in creating a balanced dish that’s rich in vitamins and minerals.
The Lemon Vinaigrette: A Zesty Finish
The salad’s light lemon vinaigrette is a key element that ties everything together, providing a zesty contrast to the earthy quinoa and crisp veggies.
This dressing is simple yet effective, made with just olive oil, fresh lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
It elevates the dish without overwhelming the ingredients, allowing their natural flavors to shine.
Drizzling this vinaigrette over the salad not only enhances taste but also adds a glistening finish that invites you to dig in.
For those who enjoy a bit of tang, adjusting the lemon juice to taste can make it even more vibrant.
A Dish for Any Occasion
This quinoa salad stands out as a versatile option, perfect for various settings.
It works wonderfully as a light lunch, a side dish for dinner, or even a potluck contribution.
The balance of protein from quinoa and the freshness of vegetables makes it satisfying and energizing, whether enjoyed solo or alongside grilled meats or fish.
Plus, it’s a fantastic meal prep option, as it keeps well in the fridge, allowing flavors to meld over time.
Serving it on a rustic wooden table adds to its charm, making it an inviting centerpiece for any gathering.
Easy Preparation Steps
Preparing this salad is straightforward and quick, making it an ideal choice for busy individuals.
Start by cooking the quinoa; it typically takes about 15 minutes to achieve the perfect fluffy texture.
While the quinoa simmers, chop the vegetables to save time.
Once the quinoa has cooled, mixing it with the vegetables and dressing is a simple process that doesn’t require much effort.
The end result is a colorful and nutritious salad that’s ready to be served in just half an hour.
Nutritional Highlights
This quinoa salad is not only visually appealing but also a powerhouse of nutrition.
Each serving contains around 220 calories, making it a low-calorie option that’s rich in protein and fiber.
Quinoa contributes to the protein content, while vegetables provide essential vitamins and minerals.
With healthy fats from olive oil and optional feta cheese, this dish caters to those seeking a balanced meal.
Overall, it’s a smart choice for anyone aiming to maintain a nutritious diet while enjoying delicious flavors.
The Ultimate Quinoa Salad Recipe
This quinoa salad is a refreshing and wholesome dish made with fluffy quinoa, crisp vegetables, and a tangy lemon vinaigrette. It’s light yet filling, making it an ideal choice for a quick lunch or a vibrant side for dinner.
Ingredients
- 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
- 2 cups water or vegetable broth
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1/4 red onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled (optional)
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Quinoa: In a medium saucepan, combine quinoa and water or broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the quinoa is fluffy and the liquid is absorbed. Let it cool.
- Prep the Vegetables: While the quinoa is cooking, chop the cherry tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, and red onion.
- Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine cooked quinoa, chopped vegetables, parsley, and feta cheese. Drizzle with the dressing and toss to combine.
- Serve: Enjoy the salad immediately or refrigerate for 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Servings: 4 servings
- Calories: 220kcal
- Fat: 10g
- Protein: 8g
- Carbohydrates: 28g