Herbed Quinoa Salad

This Herbed Quinoa Salad is a vibrant and refreshing vegetarian dish infused with Moroccan spices and fresh herbs. Perfect as a light meal or side, it combines nutty quinoa with crisp vegetables and a zesty dressing for a delightful flavor experience.

Ingredients

• Quinoa - 150 grams
• Water - 400 milliliters
• Cherry tomatoes - 150 grams, halved
• Cucumber - 1 medium, diced
• Bell pepper - 1 medium, diced
• Red onion - 50 grams, finely chopped
• Fresh parsley - 30 grams, chopped
• Fresh mint - 15 grams, chopped
• Olive oil - 30 milliliters
• Lemon juice - 30 milliliters
• Ground cumin - 1 teaspoon
• Paprika - 1 teaspoon
• Salt - 1/2 teaspoon
• Black pepper - 1/4 teaspoon

Steps

1. Rinse the quinoa under cold water in a fine-mesh sieve to remove any bitterness.
2. In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed quinoa and water. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
3. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan, and simmer for about 15 minutes or until the quinoa is fluffy and the water is absorbed.
4. Remove from heat and let the quinoa sit covered for an additional 5 minutes, then fluff with a fork.
5. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cherry tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, red onion, parsley, and mint.
6. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, ground cumin, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
7. Add the cooked quinoa to the vegetable mixture and pour the dressing over it. Toss gently to combine all ingredients.
8. Serve the salad at room temperature or chilled, garnished with additional herbs if desired.

Nutrition

• Calories: 300
• Protein: 10 g
• Carbs: 45 g
• Fiber: 7 g
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 300 mg
• Cholesterol: 0 mg
• Total Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10.5 g
• Water: 0.4 L

Health Benefits

• High in protein and fiber, providing a feeling of fullness and aiding digestion.
• Rich in vitamins and antioxidants from fresh vegetables and herbs.

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