Perfectly Balanced Dinner with Quinoa Salad

Looking for a healthy yet satisfying dinner that can be prepared quickly? Try this Quinoa Salad recipe! It’s rich in essential nutrients and provides the perfect balance of protein, fiber, and complex carbohydrates.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups quinoa
• 1 cup sunflower seeds
• 1 small cucumber, diced
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped finely
• 3 green onions, sliced thinly
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Juice of 1 lemon (about 2-3 tablespoons)
• Sea salt to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Cooking Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 4 people

This quinoa salad is a simple yet delightful recipe. It’s easy on the budget and doesn't require any complicated ingredients or techniques. The combination of quinoa, sunflower seeds, cucumber, bell pepper, and green onions gives this dish a vibrant color and flavor profile that appeals to both vegetarians and omnivores.

Start by rinsing your quinoa under cold water for about 3 minutes until the water runs clear. This step ensures you get rid of any unwanted saponins (a natural coating which can give the quinoa an off taste). After rinsing, drain thoroughly in a sieve and set aside.

In a medium-sized saucepan, add 2 cups of water and bring it to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, stir in the drained quinoa and lower heat to low. Cover and simmer for approximately 15 minutes until all the water has been absorbed. Let sit covered off the heat for another 5-7 minutes allowing any remaining moisture to be fully absorbed.

While the quinoa is cooking, prepare other ingredients mentioned above. For the sunflower seeds, simply toast them in a dry pan over medium heat until golden and fragrant, around 6-8 minutes stirring frequently. This adds extra crunchiness which pairs wonderfully with soft textures of cooked quinoa. Cucumber should be peeled, if preferred, and cut into small cubes while bell peppers can remain whole or sliced thinly.

Once the quinoa has cooled down to lukewarm, mix it gently together with sunflower seeds, cucumber pieces, red pepper strips, finely chopped green onions as well as olive oil drizzled over them. Season according to taste preferences adding lemon juice for brightness and saltiness, tasting before final seasoning adjustment.

For garnishing purposes, scatter fresh parsley leaves across the top of your salad. This adds visual appeal and aromatic notes that complement flavors perfectly without overwhelming them. Serve immediately or chill in refrigerator if you want colder temperature but remember it will lose its freshness after about 2 hours so best eaten within that period.

The Quinoa Salad is not only versatile for side dishes but also works as a main course accompanied by grilled chicken, fish fillets, or tofu for extra protein boost. Additionally, leftovers make excellent lunchbox options packed alongside some pickled vegetables or fruit slices to add variety and texture.

Health Benefits:

• Nutrient-Dense: Quinoa contains all nine essential amino acids making it a complete protein source
• Vitamin and Mineral Content: Provides high levels of magnesium, phosphorus, manganese, iron, zinc, and dietary fiber.
• Balanced Meal: Offers a good balance between complex carbohydrates for sustained energy release during workouts or daily activities.

To conclude, this Quinoa Salad recipe offers more than just delicious food; it presents an opportunity to nourish your body with wholesome ingredients. Whether you're looking for a quick weeknight dinner solution or planning ahead for a healthy meal prepping strategy, incorporating such recipes into your routine can significantly contribute towards achieving better overall health.