Delicious Quinoa Salad: Healthy & Easy to Make
Get ready for a refreshing quinoa salad that's both healthy and simple to make. This vibrant dish combines fresh vegetables, chickpeas, and a zesty lemon-garlic dressing, perfect for meal prep, summer picnics, or a quick, nutritious meal.
Ingredients
- High-powered blender or food processor optional for dressing
- Large mixing bowl
- Cutting board
- Knife
Instructions
- Cook the Quinoa: Rinse the quinoa under cold water. Cook it according to package instructions, then set it aside to cool.
- Prepare the Vegetables: While the quinoa cools, dice the cucumber, bell pepper, red onion, and cherry tomatoes. Rinse and drain the chickpeas.
- Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Assemble the Salad: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled quinoa, chopped vegetables, chickpeas, parsley, and cilantro. Drizzle with the dressing and toss to coat.
Notes
- Meal Prep Tip: This quinoa salad is perfect for meal prep! Make a large batch and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Add fresh herbs or extra dressing just before serving to keep the flavors vibrant.
- Customizations: Feel free to customize the salad by adding your favorite protein sources. Grilled chicken, tofu, or feta cheese work well. For an extra crunch, sprinkle sunflower seeds or almonds on top.
- Make it Spicy: If you like a bit of heat, try adding a pinch of chili flakes or some chopped jalapeños to the salad for a spicy kick.
- Gluten-Free Friendly: This quinoa salad is naturally gluten-free, making it a great option for those with gluten sensitivities or following a gluten-free diet.
- Chill for Best Flavor: Let the salad sit in the fridge for about 30 minutes after preparing it. This allows the flavors to meld together, giving you a more flavorful dish.
- Add More Veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables like grated carrots, zucchini, or roasted sweet potatoes to pack even more nutrients into the salad.
- Lemon-Garlic Dressing: If you prefer a creamier dressing, try adding 1 tablespoon of tahini or Greek yogurt to the lemon-garlic vinaigrette for a richer flavor.
- Serving Suggestion: Serve the quinoa salad chilled as a side dish for BBQs or potlucks, or enjoy it as a light main meal.
Nutrition
Serving: 250gCalories: 280kcalCarbohydrates: 36gProtein: 8gFat: 12gFiber: 8g
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!