Quinoa Salad

Are you ready to get your health freak on with the deliciously nutritious Quinoa Salad? This salad is not only perfect for your regular diet routine; it’s also a popular hit at dinner parties or potlucks. Packed with protein-rich quinoa, fresh vegetables, and a tangy lemon vinaigrette that adds that perfect zesty punch, it’s sure to leave your taste-buds twirling with joy. It’s not just us, but our readers can’t seem to get enough of it too. You gotta try it to believe it!

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Servings: 4
• Yield: 4 servings

Alright amigos, let’s dive right into the recipe and rustle up this scrumptious salad.

Ingredients & Equipment You’ll Need

• 1 cup quinoa
• 2 cups water
• 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• 2 limes, juiced
• 2 teaspoons ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 red onion, chopped
• 1 can black beans, rinsed
• 1 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• 1 diced red bell pepper

You’ll also need a large mixing bowl, a saucepan, and a whisk for this recipe.

Quinoa is the star of the show here, packed with all nine essential amino acids. The black beans add a nice bite and are rich in dietary fiber. The cumin, lime juice, and cilantro all combine to add that much-loved zesty flavor. Switch out any veggies you like to make the salad your own!

How To Make Quinoa Salad

1. First off, rinse your quinoa under cold water. Now, transfer the rinsed quinoa to a saucepan and add 2 cups of water. Bring the water to a boil, then reduce heat, cover and let it simmer till the quinoa is tender and the water has been absorbed. This should take about 15 to 20 minutes. Set the cooked quinoa aside to cool.
2. While your quinoa cools, take a large bowl, whisk the olive oil, lime juice, cumin, and salt together to make your dressing.
3. Once the quinoa has cooled down, throw in the cooked quinoa, red onion, cilantro, red bell pepper, and black beans into the bowl with the dressing and mix it all up. Now you have yourself a super healthy, incredibly delicious quinoa salad!

Tips For The Best Results

• Don’t skip rinsing the quinoa, it removes any bitterness.
• Taste and adjust the seasoning of the salad after it’s mixed.

Storage Tips

• Keep the salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use another grain instead of quinoa?

A: Of course, you can substitute with rice or barley. However, these might alter the nutritional content and the taste of the original recipe.

Q: How should I store the salad?

A: It’s best to keep it refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 5 days.

Q: Can I add other veggies?

A: Absolutely, you can add any veggies you like to make the salad your own.

Q: Can I skip the black beans?

A: Yes, but that would change the texture as the beans add a nice bite to the salad.

Q: Is this salad vegan-friendly?

A: Yes, it is. All the ingredients used are vegan-friendly.

Nutritional Facts of Quinoa Salad

This Quinoa Salad is not just gluten-free, dairy-free, and vegan, but also super nutritious. It contains approximately 300 kcal, 15g protein, and 7g dietary fiber per serving. Stay tuned for exact nutritional facts in an upcoming blog post.

That’s it, folks. Our vibrant and zesty Quinoa Salad is sure to be a hit, whether you’re looking for an everyday healthy meal or a crowd-pleaser for your next gathering. So stock up on that quinoa, and start tossing up this refreshing salad!