If you’re looking for a dish that’s as refreshing as it is nutritious, let me introduce you to my favorite quinoa salad! This vibrant salad is packed with wholesome ingredients, bursting with flavor, and oh-so-easy to make. Originating from the Mediterranean, it’s not only delicious but also loaded with protein, fiber, and vitamins, making it a fantastic choice for a light lunch or a side dish. Trust me, once you give this quinoa salad a try, it’ll become a staple in your kitchen. You’ll love how it brightens up any meal with its colorful veggies and zesty dressing!
Ingredients List
Here’s everything you’ll need to whip up this delightful quinoa salad. I promise, the fresh flavors and crisp textures will have you reaching for seconds!
- 1 cup quinoa, rinsed and drained
- 2 cups water
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1 bell pepper, diced (any color you prefer!)
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely diced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled (feel free to adjust based on your taste)
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Make sure to prep your veggies nicely—everything should be bite-sized for that perfect crunch in every forkful! Enjoy the vibrant colors and fresh aromas as you gather these ingredients; it’s all part of the fun of cooking!
How to Prepare Quinoa Salad
Now that you’ve got your ingredients ready, let’s dive into the steps for making this delicious quinoa salad. I promise it’s easier than you might think, and the end result is so worth it!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- First things first, rinse your quinoa under cold water. This helps remove any bitterness, so don’t skip this step!
- In a medium pot, combine the rinsed quinoa and 2 cups of water. Bring it to a rolling boil over medium-high heat.
- Once it’s boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for about 15 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the quinoa has absorbed all the water and looks fluffy.
- Remove the pot from heat and let it sit, still covered, for about 5 minutes. This helps it steam and become even fluffier.
- After it’s rested, take a fork and fluff the quinoa gently. Let it cool while you prepare the veggies.
- In a large mixing bowl, toss together the halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, bell pepper, red onion, parsley, and crumbled feta cheese. It’s a colorful mix!
- Once your quinoa has cooled, add it to the bowl with the veggies.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper to create the dressing.
- Pour the dressing over the salad and mix everything gently until it’s well combined. Voila! Your quinoa salad is ready to be served!
Feel free to taste it and adjust the seasoning if needed. I often sneak a few extra cherry tomatoes in for good measure! Enjoy!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This quinoa salad isn’t just a treat for the taste buds; it’s packed with benefits that make it a go-to in my kitchen! Here’s why you’ll adore it:
- Quick and Easy: With just 15 minutes of prep and 15 minutes of cooking, you can have this delicious salad ready to go in no time!
- Nutrient-Packed: Quinoa is a complete protein, and paired with fresh veggies, it’s loaded with fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants. You’ll feel great after enjoying it! Learn more about quinoa’s health benefits.
- Versatile: Feel free to mix and match ingredients! Swap in your favorite veggies or leave out the feta for a dairy-free version. The options are endless!
Tips for Success
To ensure your quinoa salad turns out perfectly every time, here are some of my favorite tips! First, don’t skip rinsing the quinoa—this step really helps eliminate that pesky bitterness. If you want to add some extra flavor, try cooking the quinoa in vegetable broth instead of water. Also, let the quinoa cool completely before mixing it with the veggies to keep everything crisp. When it comes to dressing, don’t be shy—taste as you go! You can always add a little more lemon juice or olive oil to suit your preferences. Trust me, these little tweaks make a big difference!
Nutritional Information
Just a quick note: nutritional values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use, so take these estimates with a pinch of salt! For one serving of this quinoa salad, you can expect around 220 calories, 11g of fat, 6g of protein, and 28g of carbohydrates. Enjoy this healthy dish guilt-free!
FAQ Section
Can I make quinoa salad ahead of time?
Absolutely! In fact, I love making this quinoa salad a few hours ahead of time, or even the day before. It allows all those fresh flavors to mingle and develop even more! Just cover it tightly and refrigerate until you’re ready to serve. Just remember to give it a good stir before serving, as the dressing can settle a bit.
What can I substitute for feta cheese?
If you’re looking for a dairy-free option or just want to switch things up, there are plenty of tasty alternatives to feta! Try crumbled avocado for a creamy texture, or if you’re not avoiding dairy, goat cheese brings a lovely tang. You can also use nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without the dairy. It’s all about what you enjoy!
How long can I store quinoa salad?
You can store your quinoa salad in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just make sure it’s in an airtight container to keep it fresh. If you notice any excess moisture, just give it a good mix before enjoying it again. It’s a fantastic make-ahead dish for meal prep!
Serving Suggestions
This quinoa salad is delightful on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with so many dishes! Serve it alongside grilled chicken or fish for a heartier meal, or enjoy it with a side of hummus and pita for a light lunch. A glass of chilled white wine or sparkling water with a slice of lemon complements the flavors beautifully. Trust me, you can’t go wrong with these combinations!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
To keep your quinoa salad fresh, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. There’s no need to reheat it; I actually prefer it chilled or at room temperature! Just give it a good stir before serving to mix everything back together.
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Quinoa Salad: 7 Reasons You’ll Absolutely Love It
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A refreshing quinoa salad packed with nutrients.
Ingredients
- 1 cup quinoa
- 2 cups water
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1/4 cup red onion, diced
- 1/4 cup parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Rinse quinoa under cold water.
- In a pot, combine quinoa and water. Bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes.
- Remove from heat and let it sit for 5 minutes.
- Fluff quinoa with a fork and let it cool.
- In a large bowl, combine cherry tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, red onion, parsley, and feta cheese.
- Add cooled quinoa to the bowl.
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
- Pour dressing over salad and mix well.
- Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Notes
- Adjust the vegetables based on your preference.
- Can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
Keywords: quinoa salad, healthy salad, Mediterranean salad