Korean Quinoa Salad

This Korean Quinoa Salad is a vibrant and nutritious dish that combines the nutty flavor of quinoa with traditional Korean ingredients, creating a refreshing and satisfying meal. Perfect for a light lunch or as a side dish, it’s packed with flavor and health benefits.

Ingredients

• Quinoa - 100 grams
• Water - 250 ml
• Cucumber - 1 medium, diced
• Carrot - 1 medium, julienned
• Red bell pepper - 1 medium, diced
• Green onion - 2, chopped
• Sesame oil - 1 tablespoon
• Soy sauce - 2 tablespoons
• Rice vinegar - 1 tablespoon
• Gochugaru (Korean red pepper flakes) - 1 teaspoon
• Toasted sesame seeds - 1 tablespoon
• Fresh cilantro - 2 tablespoons, chopped

Steps

1. Rinse the quinoa under cold water to remove any bitterness.
2. In a saucepan, combine the rinsed quinoa and water, and bring to a boil.
3. Once boiling, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes or until the quinoa is fluffy and the water is absorbed.
4. Remove from heat and let the quinoa sit, covered, for another 5 minutes.
5. In a large bowl, combine the diced cucumber, julienned carrot, diced red bell pepper, and chopped green onion.
6. In a small bowl, whisk together the sesame oil, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and gochugaru.
7. Fluff the cooked quinoa with a fork and add it to the vegetable mixture.
8. Pour the dressing over the quinoa and vegetables, and mix well until everything is evenly coated.
9. Garnish with toasted sesame seeds and chopped cilantro before serving.

Nutrition

• Calories: 320
• Protein: 10 g
• Carbs: 45 g
• Fiber: 6 g
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Cholesterol: 0 mg
• Total Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Water: 0.25 L

Health Benefits

• High in protein and fiber, which supports digestion and satiety.
• Rich in antioxidants and vitamins from fresh vegetables, promoting overall health.

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