Brief Description: This gluten-free quinoa salad is a vibrant and nutritious dish packed with colorful vegetables and fresh herbs. Perfect as a light lunch or a side dish, it’s both delicious and satisfying. The lemony dressing adds a zesty flavor, making it a refreshing choice for any meal.
Servings: 4
Ready in: 30 minutes
Calories: 230 per serving
Good for: Lunch, Dinner, Side Dish
Ingredients:
- 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
- 2 cups water
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh mint, chopped
- 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled (optional)
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp red wine vinegar
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/2 tsp sea salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions:
- Cook the Quinoa:
- In a medium saucepan, combine the quinoa and water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 15 minutes or until all the water is absorbed.
- Fluff the quinoa with a fork and let it cool to room temperature.
- Prepare the Vegetables:
- While the quinoa is cooling, prepare the vegetables. Chop the cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red bell pepper, red onion, parsley, and mint.
- Make the Dressing:
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, salt, and pepper.
- Combine the Salad:
- In a large bowl, combine the cooled quinoa with the chopped vegetables and herbs. Add the feta cheese, if using.
- Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine.
- Serve:
- Serve immediately or chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before serving for a more refreshing taste.
Nutrition Elements:
- Total Fat: 14g (18%)
- Saturated Fat: 3g (15%)
- Carbohydrates: 22g (8%)
- Sugar: 3g
- Protein: 6g (12%)
- Fiber: 4g (16%)