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Tomato and Cucumber Quinoa Salad
Dive into the vibrant flavors of this refreshing Tomato and Cucumber Quinoa Salad! Bursting with juicy tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, and protein-packed quinoa, this salad is not just a feast for the eyes but also a wholesome delight for your palate. Perfect as a side dish or a light lunch, it's dressed with a zesty lemon-olive oil vinaigrette that brings all the ingredients together harmoniously. This dish is not only nutritious but also has roots in ancient civilizations, where quinoa was revered as a sacred grain by the Incas and enjoyed in various salads and dishes throughout history.
Ingredients
- Quinoa
- 1 cup, rinsed
- Water
- 2 cups
- Tomatoes
- 2 cups, diced
- Cucumber
- 1 large, diced
- Red onion
- 1/2 cup, thinly sliced
- Fresh parsley
- 1/4 cup, chopped
- Lemon juice
- 3 tablespoons
- Olive oil
- 2 tablespoons
- Salt
- 1/2 teaspoon, or to taste
- Black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon, or to taste
Instructions
- Rinse the quinoa under cold water to remove any bitterness. This step is crucial for achieving a light and fluffy texture.
- In a medium saucepan, bring 2 cups of water to a boil. Add the rinsed quinoa and reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for 15 minutes, or until the quinoa is tender and the water is absorbed.
- Once cooked, remove the saucepan from heat and let the quinoa cool for about 10 minutes. Fluff the quinoa with a fork to separate the grains.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled quinoa, diced tomatoes, diced cucumber, sliced red onion, and chopped parsley. Gently toss to mix the ingredients evenly.
- In a separate small bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and black pepper to create a zesty dressing.
- Pour the dressing over the quinoa salad and toss gently to coat all the ingredients with the dressing.
- For the best flavor, refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving, allowing the ingredients to meld together beautifully.
- Serve the salad chilled, garnished with additional parsley if desired, and enjoy the burst of fresh flavors!
Tips
- For added protein, consider mixing in some chickpeas or grilled chicken.
- Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers or radishes for extra crunch and color.
- If you prefer a more Mediterranean flavor, add feta cheese and olives.
Dietary Information
Servings: 4 Dish Type: Salad Prep Time: 15 minutes Cook Time: 15 minutes Calories: 220 Fat: 9g Carbs: 30g Protein: 6g Sodium: 200mg Sugar: 3g
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