Refreshing Quinoa and Vegetable Salad

Name: Refreshing Quinoa and Vegetable Salad
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 60 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: {'ingredient': 'Quinoa', 'amount': '1 cup, rinsed'}; {'ingredient': 'Water', 'amount': '2 cups'}; {'ingredient': 'Cucumber', 'amount': '1, diced'}; {'ingredient': 'Tomatoes', 'amount': '2, diced'}; {'ingredient': 'Bell pepper', 'amount': '1, diced (any color)'}; {'ingredient': 'Red onion', 'amount': '1/4, finely chopped'}; {'ingredient': 'Fresh parsley', 'amount': '1/4 cup, chopped'}; {'ingredient': 'Fresh mint', 'amount': '1/4 cup, chopped'}; {'ingredient': 'Olive oil', 'amount': '3 tablespoons'}; {'ingredient': 'Lemon juice', 'amount': '2 tablespoons'}; {'ingredient': 'Salt', 'amount': 'to taste'}; {'ingredient': 'Black pepper', 'amount': 'to taste'}

This vibrant quinoa and vegetable salad is a delightful medley of textures and flavors, perfect for a light lunch or as a side dish for dinner. The nutty quinoa pairs beautifully with crisp cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, and colorful bell peppers, all tossed in a zesty lemon-mint dressing. Originating from the Andes, quinoa has been cultivated for thousands of years and is celebrated for its high protein content and gluten-free nature. This salad is not just a feast for the eyes but a nutritional powerhouse that brings the essence of summer to your table, making it a perfect dish for gatherings or a refreshing meal on a warm day.

Servings: 4

Ingredients

Quinoa (1 cup, rinsed)
Water (2 cups)
Cucumber (1, diced)
Tomatoes (2, diced)
Bell pepper (1, diced (any color))
Red onion (1/4, finely chopped)
Fresh parsley (1/4 cup, chopped)
Fresh mint (1/4 cup, chopped)
Olive oil (3 tablespoons)
Lemon juice (2 tablespoons)
Salt (to taste)
Black pepper (to taste)

Instructions

Rinse the quinoa under cold water to remove any bitterness.
In a saucepan, bring 2 cups of water to a boil. Add the rinsed quinoa, reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the quinoa is cooked and the water is absorbed. Remove from heat and let it cool.
While the quinoa is cooling, prepare the vegetables: in a large bowl, combine the diced cucumber, tomatoes, bell pepper, red onion, parsley, and mint.
In a small bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper to create the dressing.
Once the quinoa has cooled, add it to the bowl with the vegetables.
Pour the dressing over the quinoa and vegetable mixture. Toss everything together until well combined and evenly coated with the dressing.
Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
Serve chilled and enjoy your refreshing salad!

Dietary Information

Servings: 4 • Dish Type: Salad • Prep Time: 15 minutes • Cook Time: 20 minutes • Calories: 180 • Fat: 7g • Carbs: 25g • Protein: 6g • Sodium: 150mg • Sugar: 2g

Refreshing Quinoa and Vegetable Salad

Servings: 4

Ingredients

Instructions

Dietary Information

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