Healthy Avocado Salad with Quinoa

Keyword: Healthy Avocado Salad

Looking for a delicious and nutritious salad that not only satisfies your taste buds but also nourishes your body? Then this Healthy Avocado Salad with Quinoa is just right for you! Bursting with fresh flavors, rich textures, and packed full of essential nutrients, this dish is perfect for lunch or as an accompaniment to a hearty dinner. Packed into each serving are approximately 350 calories per portion, making it ideal for those looking to stay healthy without compromising on flavor.

The cooking time for this recipe is about 25 minutes, and the total preparation time including the marinating period adds up to around one hour. You can easily make three servings of this dish with a list of ingredients that are readily available at most grocery stores. The salad comes together simply by combining fresh vegetables, avocado, quinoa, olive oil dressing, lemon juice, salt, pepper, and your choice of protein.

Ingredients for Healthy Avocado Salad with Quinoa:

• 3 ripe avocados
• 1 cup cooked quinoa (prepared with a 2:1 water-to-quinoa ratio)
• 2 cups mixed greens (lettuce, spinach, arugula, etc.)
• ½ red onion, thinly sliced or diced finely
• 1/4 small red bell pepper, chopped into bite-sized pieces
• Lemon juice to taste
• Olive oil for dressing
• Salt and black pepper to season
• Optional protein like grilled chicken breast or cooked shrimp

Instructions:

1. Begin by preparing the quinoa as per package instructions. Once it is done, let the grains cool completely.

2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled quinoa with the sliced or diced red onion, chopped bell pepper, and mixed greens. The combination of these vegetables provides a vibrant color contrast to your salad while also adding texture and freshness.

3. Peel the ripe avocados carefully and remove their pits. Scoop out the flesh into another bowl. Mash the avocado gently with a fork until it achieves a smooth yet slightly chunky consistency, ensuring that the texture is creamy enough to spread easily over your salad ingredients.

4. Add lemon juice to taste and season with olive oil, salt, and pepper according to personal preference or taste. You can also consider adding some black pepper for an extra kick of flavor. Mix all the elements together thoroughly until everything comes into harmony.

5. After combining all components well, gently fold in the avocado mixture over the quinoa salad base. Be careful not to overstir as you want to maintain some chunkiness and prevent the ingredients from becoming mushy.

6. If desired, add your choice of protein such as grilled chicken breast or cooked shrimp for extra protein content and additional flavor complexity. This will turn this simple quinoa salad into a more substantial meal option.

Health Benefits:

This Healthy Avocado Salad with Quinoa offers an array of health benefits due to its nutrient-rich ingredients:

• Rich in Healthy Fats: The avocados provide monounsaturated fats that are beneficial for heart health, which can help lower bad cholesterol levels.
• Fiber-Rich: Both quinoa and avocado contribute substantial fiber content to the meal, aiding digestive health and promoting satiety.
• Vitamin Powerhouse: Mixed greens, red peppers, and avocados deliver a variety of vitamins including A, C, K, folate, and potassium. These help support immune function, bone strength, eye health, and more.

Tips & Variations:

To customize this dish further or to save time, consider trying these variations:

• Add Toppings: Sprinkle some feta cheese, pomegranate seeds, pumpkin seeds, or sunflower seeds on top for extra crunch and nutritional value.
• Variety of Dressing: Swap out the olive oil dressing with balsamic vinaigrette or a mixture of apple cider vinegar and honey if you prefer different flavors.
• Incorporate Additional Ingredients: You can add in some black beans, corn kernels, or diced tomatoes for an extra layer of flavor. This will also provide additional protein content from the beans and more fresh vegetables.

Whether you're looking to enjoy a light lunch or need something nutritious enough for dinner, this Healthy Avocado Salad with Quinoa is versatile, satisfying, and perfect for those seeking a balanced meal that doesn't compromise on taste. Serve it at room temperature or chill it before serving if preferred.

Feel free to experiment with the proportions of ingredients based on your dietary preferences and health goals. Enjoy creating this tasty and nutritious dish in your kitchen!