Quinoa Salad Recipe

Quinoa Salad Recipe | Healthy, Flavorful Quinoa Salad with Fresh Veggies

Looking for a healthy, light, and nutritious meal? This Quinoa Salad is packed with protein, fiber, and fresh flavors from crunchy vegetables and aromatic herbs.
Perfect for a quick lunch or dinner, this salad can also be served as a side dish for barbecues and picnics.
Not only is it vegan and gluten-free, but it’s also easy to prepare and refreshing. Let’s dive into the recipe!

Ingredients

For the Salad:

  • 1 cup quinoa (rinse it well)
  • 1 cucumber (diced)
  • 1 tomato (diced)
  • 1/2 red onion (thinly sliced)
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro (chopped)
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley (chopped)
  • 1/4 cup pomegranate seeds (optional)

For the Dressing:

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon cumin powder

Preparation Steps

Step 1: Cook the Quinoa

  • Rinse quinoa thoroughly under cold water to remove the bitter coating.
  • Cook quinoa as per package instructions (usually 1 cup quinoa to 2 cups water).
  • Once cooked, let it cool to room temperature.

Step 2: Prepare the Salad

  • In a large bowl, combine diced cucumber, tomato, onion, and fresh herbs (cilantro and parsley).
  • Add the cooled quinoa and pomegranate seeds.

Step 3: Make the Dressing

  • In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, honey, cumin powder, salt, and pepper.

Step 4: Toss and Serve

  • Pour the dressing over the quinoa and vegetable mixture.
  • Toss everything gently until well-coated.

Pro Tips

  • You can add roasted nuts like almonds or walnuts for extra crunch.
  • To make it more filling, add some chickpeas or grilled chicken.

FAQs

Can I prepare this quinoa salad ahead of time?

Yes! You can make the salad and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days. Just keep the dressing separate until ready to serve.

Can I use other grains in place of quinoa?

Yes, you can substitute quinoa with couscous, bulgur wheat, or even rice.

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