Quinoa & Veggie Salad Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
- 2 cups water
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 small zucchini, diced
- 1 bell pepper(red, yellow, or orange), diced
- 1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1 cup baby spinach, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
For the dressing:
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Cook the Quinoa:
- In a medium saucepan, bring the 2 cups of water to a boil.
- Add the quinoa, reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 15 minutes or until the water is absorbed and the quinoa is tender.
- Remove from heat and let it sit, covered, for 5 minutes, then fluff with a fork and let it cool.
2. Prepare the Veggies:
- While the quinoa is cooking, prepare the vegetables: halve the cherry tomatoes, dice the zucchini and bell pepper, finely chop the red onion, and roughly chop the spinach, parsley, and basil.
3. Make the Dressing:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, and salt and pepper until well combined.
4. Assemble the Salad:
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked and cooled quinoa with the cherry tomatoes, zucchini, bell pepper, red onion, spinach, parsley, and basil.
- Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to coat all the ingredients evenly.
5. Serve:
- Serve the salad immediately, or refrigerate it for an hour to allow the flavors to meld together. This salad can be served cold or at room temperature.
Tips:
- Add Protein: For a more filling meal, add grilled chicken, chickpeas, or tofu.
- Crunch Factor: Sprinkle some toasted nuts or seeds, such as almonds, sunflower seeds, or pumpkin seeds, for extra texture.
- Customization: Feel free to swap out or add any vegetables you like or have on hand, such as cucumbers, carrots, or avocados.
This quinoa and veggie salad is perfect for a healthy lunch or dinner, packed with nutrients, and bursting with fresh flavors!