Zesty Quinoa Salad

This Zesty Quinoa Salad is a vibrant and nutritious dish that combines fluffy quinoa with crisp vegetables and a tangy dressing, making it a perfect healthy dinner option. Packed with flavors and textures, it’s both satisfying and refreshing.

Ingredients

• Quinoa - 150 grams
• Cucumber - 1 medium, diced
• Cherry tomatoes - 150 grams, halved
• Red bell pepper - 1, diced
• Red onion - 1/4, finely chopped
• Fresh parsley - 30 grams, chopped
• Lemon juice - 2 tablespoons
• Olive oil - 2 tablespoons
• Garlic - 1 clove, minced
• Salt - 1/2 teaspoon
• Black pepper - 1/4 teaspoon
• Feta cheese - 50 grams, crumbled (optional)

Steps

1. Rinse the quinoa under cold water to remove any bitterness.
2. In a medium saucepan, combine 150 grams of quinoa with 300 ml of water and a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 15 minutes or until the quinoa is fluffy and the water is absorbed.
3. While the quinoa is cooking, prepare the vegetables. Dice the cucumber, red bell pepper, and finely chop the red onion and parsley. Halve the cherry tomatoes.
4. In a small bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, olive oil, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper to create the dressing.
5. Once the quinoa is cooked, fluff it with a fork and allow it to cool for a few minutes.
6. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked quinoa, diced vegetables, and parsley. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine.
7. If desired, sprinkle crumbled feta cheese on top before serving.
8. Serve the salad chilled or at room temperature.

Nutrition

• Calories: 350
• Protein: 10 g
• Carbs: 45 g
• Fiber: 6 g
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 300 mg
• Cholesterol: 15 mg
• Total Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Water: 0.3 L

Health Benefits

• High in protein and fiber, promoting satiety and digestive health.
• Rich in antioxidants and vitamins from fresh vegetables, supporting overall health.

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