Insalata di Quinoa

Insalata di Quinoa is a vibrant and nutritious Italian salad that combines protein-packed quinoa with fresh vegetables and a zesty lemon dressing. This dish is perfect for a light lunch, offering a delightful balance of flavors and textures.

Ingredients

• Quinoa - 150 grams
• Cherry tomatoes - 200 grams, halved
• Cucumber - 1 medium, diced
• Red bell pepper - 1, diced
• Red onion - 1 small, finely chopped
• Fresh parsley - 30 grams, chopped
• Feta cheese - 100 grams, crumbled
• Olive oil - 3 tablespoons
• Lemon juice - 2 tablespoons
• Salt - to taste
• Black pepper - to taste

Steps

1. Rinse the quinoa under cold water to remove any bitterness.
2. In a medium saucepan, combine quinoa with 450 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 cooked and water is absorbed.
3. Remove from heat and let the quinoa sit covered for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork and allow to cool.
4. In a large mixing bowl, combine the halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, diced red bell pepper, finely chopped red onion, and chopped parsley.
5. Add the cooled quinoa to the vegetable mixture and gently toss to combine.
6. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper to create the dressing.
7. Pour the dressing over the quinoa salad and toss to coat evenly.
8. Gently fold in the crumbled feta cheese.
9. Serve immediately or refrigerate for 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

Nutrition

• Calories: 380
• Protein: 15 g
• Carbs: 45 g
• Fiber: 6 g
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Cholesterol: 20 mg
• Total Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
• Water: 0.5 L

Health Benefits

• High in protein, making it an excellent option for muscle repair and growth.
• Rich in vitamins and minerals from fresh vegetables, supporting overall health.

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