Vegetable Salad with Quinoa Recipe

This vegetable salad with quinoa recipe is the perfect combination of nutrition and taste. It is a quick and easy recipe that you can make in just 20 minutes. This recipe serves four people, but you can easily adjust the quantities if you need to feed more people.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup quinoa
• 2 cups water
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 can of chickpeas
• 1 cucumber, chopped
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped
• 1 yellow bell pepper, chopped
• 1/2 red onion, chopped
• 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 1/2 cup chopped fresh mint
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 3 tablespoons lemon juice
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste

Preparation:

1. Rinse the quinoa in a fine mesh strainer and add it to a medium-sized pot with the water and salt. Bring to a boil then reduce the heat to low, cover the pot and simmer for 15 minutes. Once done, remove from heat and let it sit, covered, for 5 minutes.
2. While the quinoa is cooking, drain and rinse the chickpeas and chop the vegetables.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, salt, and pepper.
4. Combine the cooked quinoa, chickpeas, and chopped vegetables in a large mixing bowl.
5. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to combine.
6. Add the fresh herbs to the bowl and gently toss everything together.
7. Season with additional salt and pepper if needed.
8. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 15 minutes before serving.

Verdict and Serving Suggestions:

This vegetable salad with quinoa makes a great vegan or vegetarian dish that can be served as a main course or as a side dish. The quinoa provides a great source of protein, while the vegetables add fiber, vitamins, and minerals. The freshness of the lemon and herbs give this salad a tangy and bright flavor. You can serve it with some crusty bread or as a side with grilled chicken or fish.