Zesty quinoa salad is a refreshing and nutritious dish that is perfect for a light lunch or as a side dish for dinner. This salad is packed with protein, fiber, and flavor, making it a healthy and satisfying choice. In this recipe, we’ll show you how to make a zesty quinoa salad with a variety of fresh vegetables and a tangy dressing. This salad is easy to make and can be customized to suit your tastes, making it a versatile addition to any meal.
Ingredients for Zesty Quinoa Salad:
- 1 cup quinoa
- 2 cups water or vegetable broth
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, diced
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1/2 red onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
How to Make Zesty Quinoa Salad:
- Cook the Quinoa: Rinse the quinoa under cold water. In a medium saucepan, combine the quinoa and water or vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the quinoa is tender and the liquid is absorbed. Remove from heat and let it cool.
- Prepare the Vegetables: In a large bowl, combine the diced red and yellow bell peppers, cucumber, red onion, parsley, and mint.
- Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, salt, and pepper.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the cooked quinoa and crumbled feta cheese (if using) to the bowl with the vegetables. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to combine.
- Chill and Serve: Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to blend. Serve chilled as a side dish or a light lunch.
About the Main Ingredients:
Quinoa: Quinoa is a nutritious grain that is high in protein and fiber. It has a light, fluffy texture and a slightly nutty flavor, making it a popular choice for salads.
Bell Peppers: Bell peppers add a sweet and crunchy texture to the salad. They are also high in vitamin C and other antioxidants, making them a healthy addition to any meal.
Cucumber: Cucumber adds a refreshing crunch to the salad. It is also low in calories and high in water content, making it a hydrating choice for summer salads.
Red Onion: Red onion adds a sharp and tangy flavor to the salad. It is also rich in antioxidants and has anti-inflammatory properties.
Fresh Herbs: Chopped fresh parsley and mint add a burst of freshness and flavor to the salad. They also provide vitamins and minerals, making them a healthy addition.
Feta Cheese: Crumbled feta cheese adds a creamy and tangy flavor to the salad. It is optional but adds richness to the dish.
Zesty quinoa salad is a delicious and healthy dish that is perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a light lunch or a flavorful side dish, this salad is sure to please. With its vibrant colors and fresh flavors, it’s a dish that will impress your family and friends. Try making this zesty quinoa salad for your next meal and enjoy the delicious flavors of fresh vegetables and tangy dressing.
