This nutritious quinoa salad is a refreshing and healthy dish, perfect for a light lunch or as a side for dinner. Packed with fresh vegetables and a tangy vinaigrette, it offers a satisfying blend of flavors and textures.
The recipe is simple to prepare and can be customized with your favorite vegetables or proteins. It’s a great option for meal prep, as it holds up well in the refrigerator.
Ingredients That Shine
The vibrant quinoa salad showcases a delightful array of ingredients that not only look appealing but also provide a wealth of nutrients.
Red bell peppers add a sweet crunch, while green cucumbers contribute a refreshing crispness. Yellow cherry tomatoes bring a burst of color and juiciness, making each bite a visual treat.
Fresh parsley serves as a garnish, enhancing the salad’s flavor profile and adding a touch of brightness. Together, these ingredients create a colorful medley that is both appetizing and healthy.
Preparation Made Simple
Preparing this quinoa salad is straightforward and quick, making it an excellent choice for busy days. Start by cooking the quinoa, which serves as the base of the salad.
While the quinoa cools, chop the vegetables and mix them in a large bowl. This step allows the flavors to meld beautifully, ensuring a harmonious taste in every serving.
Finally, whisk together the vinaigrette ingredients to create a light dressing that ties everything together. This simple process results in a refreshing dish ready to be enjoyed.
Serving Suggestions
This quinoa salad is versatile and can be served in various ways. It works wonderfully as a light lunch or as a side dish for dinner.
For added protein, consider incorporating grilled chicken or chickpeas, making it a more filling meal. Alternatively, serve it alongside grilled fish for a delightful Mediterranean-inspired dinner.
Whether enjoyed chilled or at room temperature, this salad is sure to please at any gathering.
Storage and Meal Prep
One of the standout features of this quinoa salad is its excellent shelf life. It can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator for several days.
As the flavors develop over time, the salad becomes even more delicious, making it a perfect option for meal prep. Just be sure to keep the vinaigrette separate until ready to serve to maintain the freshness of the ingredients.
This makes it an ideal choice for busy individuals looking to enjoy healthy meals throughout the week.
Nutritional Benefits
This quinoa salad is not only visually appealing but also packed with nutritional benefits. Quinoa is a complete protein, providing all nine essential amino acids, making it an excellent choice for vegetarians and health-conscious eaters.
The colorful vegetables contribute vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, promoting overall health. With a balanced mix of carbohydrates, healthy fats, and protein, this salad supports a well-rounded diet.
At just 220 calories per serving, it’s a guilt-free option that satisfies without compromising on taste.
Final Touches
To enhance the salad’s presentation, serve it in a large bowl that showcases its vibrant colors. The rustic wooden table background adds a charming touch, emphasizing the fresh and healthy appeal of the dish.
For an extra pop of flavor, consider adding a sprinkle of feta cheese or a handful of nuts for crunch. These additions can elevate the salad, making it even more enjoyable.
This quinoa salad is a celebration of fresh ingredients, perfect for any occasion, and sure to impress family and friends alike.
Easy Quinoa Salad Recipe
This quinoa salad features cooked quinoa mixed with colorful vegetables like bell peppers, cucumbers, and cherry tomatoes, all tossed in a homemade vinaigrette. The recipe takes about 30 minutes to prepare and serves 4 people.
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 olive oil
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 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, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes or until quinoa is fluffy and liquid is absorbed. Remove from heat and let cool.
- Prepare the Vegetables: While the quinoa cools, chop the cherry tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, and red onion. Place them in a large mixing bowl.
- Make the Vinaigrette: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Combine: Once the quinoa has cooled, add it to the bowl with the vegetables. Pour the vinaigrette over the salad and toss gently to combine.
- Serve: Adjust seasoning if needed, and serve immediately or refrigerate for later. Enjoy your quinoa salad chilled or at room temperature.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Servings: 4 servings
- Calories: 220kcal
- Fat: 14g
- Protein: 6g
- Carbohydrates: 24g