Perfectly Balanced Quinoa Salad

Quinoa salad is a versatile dish that combines various ingredients to create a perfectly balanced meal rich in protein and fiber. This dish can be enjoyed as a light lunch or an accompaniment for dinner, offering a delightful mix of textures and flavors. With minimal cooking time and simple preparation, it's the perfect go-to recipe when you're short on time but want something nutritious.

This quinoa salad is not only delicious but also easy to prepare, making it ideal for both beginners and experienced cooks alike. The key to a tasty quinoa dish lies in its versatility; you can adjust ingredients according to your taste preferences or what you have available in your pantry. Let’s dive into how you can make this vibrant dish!

Ingredients

1 cup of uncooked quinoa
2 cups of water or vegetable broth
1 cup of cherry tomatoes, halved
1/2 cucumber, diced
1 small red onion, finely chopped
1 avocado, diced (optional)
1/4 cup of fresh parsley, chopped
Juice from 1 lime or lemon
Salt and pepper to taste
Cilantro for garnish (optional)

Instructions

Rinse the quinoa thoroughly under cold water. This step ensures that any saponins, which give a soapy taste to raw quinoa, are washed away.
In a medium saucepan, bring 2 cups of water or vegetable broth to a boil over high heat. Add the rinsed quinoa and reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer for about 15 minutes until all liquid is absorbed.
Once cooked, remove from heat and allow the quinoa to cool down slightly before transferring it into a large mixing bowl.
Add the halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, finely chopped red onion, and if you like avocado, add that in too. Stir gently so as not to break up all the veggies too much.
Now comes the dressing! Add half a cup of lime juice (or lemon) along with salt and pepper according to your preference. You may also choose cilantro for extra flavor if you like it!
Mix everything well together until all ingredients are evenly distributed through the quinoa salad.

Why Quinoa Salad?

Quinoa has been gaining popularity in recent years due to its high nutritional value. It’s rich in protein, essential amino acids, iron, magnesium, potassium, calcium, phosphorus, and vitamins B1, B2, B3, and E.

This grain-like seed is also gluten-free, making it an excellent choice for those with celiac disease or gluten intolerance. Its versatility allows you to incorporate different types of vegetables, fruits, nuts, seeds, herbs, and spices into your salad, creating endless variations tailored to your taste buds.

Tips & Variations

For a heartier meal, consider adding some grilled chicken breast or tofu for extra protein. For those who prefer less spice, you could replace the lime juice with apple cider vinegar or balsamic dressing. If you have leftover grains like rice or bulgur wheat, they can be added into the mix as well.

Conclusion

A perfect quinoa salad is simple yet satisfying, offering a refreshing change from traditional carb-based meals. By following these steps, you will end up with an incredibly tasty dish that is packed full of nutrients and flavor. Enjoy this healthy yet delicious meal!

Cooking Time: About 20 minutes including preparation time.
Servings: This recipe makes enough for 4 people.