Nutritious Quinoa Salad
Nutritious Quinoa Salad
Super Filling! High-Protein Vegan Diet Quinoa Salad Recipe
Say goodbye to the heavy feeling from winter and welcome a light, healthy body with this must-have diet staple: Quinoa Salad! This quinoa salad, packed with satisfying fullness and rich protein, is your perfect companion for a weight-loss meal plan. But it’s not just for dieting; it’s so beneficial for your health that the whole family can enjoy it! The harmony of fresh vegetables and popping quinoa, enhanced by a zesty dressing, is perfect for when you lack appetite. Discover this delicious and healthy recipe right now.
Salad Ingredients- 1 cup quinoa
- 2 cups water
- 1/2 cucumber
- 1/4 red bell pepper
- 1/4 yellow bell pepper
- 10 cherry tomatoes
- 1 bunch fresh cilantro
Zesty Lemon Dressing- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tbsp allulose (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 tbsp minced garlic
- Pinch of salt
- Pinch of black pepper
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tbsp allulose (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 tbsp minced garlic
- Pinch of salt
- Pinch of black pepper
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, let’s prepare the star of our quinoa salad: quinoa. Rinse 1 cup of quinoa thoroughly under running water. Then, place the rinsed quinoa and 2 cups of water in a saucepan. Bring it to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the pot, and simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the quinoa has absorbed the water and become tender, similar to cooking rice. After cooking, turn off the heat, let it steam for 5 minutes, then gently fluff with a fork and let it cool.
Step 2
Now, it’s time to prepare the fresh vegetables. Cut the cucumber in half lengthwise, scoop out the seeds with a spoon, and then dice it into small, 0.5cm cubes. Make sure not to cut them too small to maintain a crisp texture.
Step 3
Next, prepare the red and yellow bell peppers. Remove the seeds from 1/4 of each bell pepper and dice them into small, 0.5cm cubes, similar in size to the cucumber. The vibrant colors will make your salad look even more appetizing.
Step 4
For the sweet cherry tomatoes, prepare about 10. Remove the stems and cut them into bite-sized pieces, quartered or sixths. Be careful not to crush the tomatoes as you cut them.
Step 5
Add aromatic freshness with a bunch of fresh cilantro. If you enjoy the distinct flavor of cilantro, feel free to add a little more. Wash the cilantro thoroughly, pat it dry, and finely chop the leaves.
Step 6
Now, let’s make the delicious dressing that will tie all the flavors together! In a small bowl, combine 1 tbsp of fresh lemon juice, 1 tbsp of balsamic vinegar, and 3 tbsp of extra virgin olive oil. Add 1 tbsp of allulose for sweetness (adjust to your preference), 1/2 tbsp of minced garlic for a flavorful kick, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Whisk all the ingredients together with a whisk or spoon until well combined and emulsified to create a refreshing dressing.
Step 7
In a large bowl, combine the cooked quinoa and all the chopped vegetables: cucumber, red bell pepper, yellow bell pepper, and cherry tomatoes. Add about two-thirds of the prepared dressing and gently toss everything together using a spoon or spatula, being careful not to mash the ingredients. Ensure the vegetables and quinoa are evenly coated with the dressing.
Step 8
Finally, add the finely chopped cilantro and toss lightly one more time. Your nutritious quinoa salad is now ready! Add the remaining dressing as needed to adjust the seasoning to your liking. This quinoa salad makes a satisfying meal on its own and is also delicious served chilled after refrigerating.
