Quick Quinoa Salad
A refreshing and nutritious quinoa salad with fresh vegetables and a zesty lemon dressing.
10 mins
Prep Time
15 mins
Cook Time
4
Servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup quinoa
- 2 cups water
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 red onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh mint, chopped
- 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Nutrition Facts
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Instructions
Rinse the quinoa under cold water in a fine-mesh strainer to remove any bitterness.
In a medium saucepan, bring 2 cups of water to a boil. Add the quinoa, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes or until the water is absorbed. Remove from heat and let it sit covered for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork.
While the quinoa cooks, prepare the vegetables. Dice the cucumber and red bell pepper, finely chop the red onion, and chop the fresh parsley and mint.
In a large bowl, combine the cooked quinoa, diced cucumber, red bell pepper, red onion, parsley, and mint.
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper to make the dressing.
Pour the dressing over the quinoa mixture and toss gently to combine. Sprinkle with crumbled feta cheese before serving.
Chef's Tips
- Make Ahead: This salad can be made a day in advance and stored in the fridge. The flavors meld together beautifully.
- Protein Boost: Add grilled chicken or chickpeas for extra protein.
- Vegan Option: Skip the feta cheese or use a vegan alternative.
- Extra Crunch: Add toasted nuts or seeds like almonds or sunflower seeds for added texture.
- Serving Suggestion: Serve chilled or at room temperature for the best flavor.
