Quinoa salad with vegetables is a nutritious and colorful dish that's easy to prepare and perfect for any meal. Here’s a simple recipe to make a delicious quinoa salad packed with vegetables and flavor.
Quinoa Salad with Vegetables
Ingredients:
- 1 cup quinoa
- 2 cups water or vegetable broth
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1 bell pepper (any color), diced
- 1 carrot, grated or diced
- 1/2 red onion, finely chopped
- 1 cup corn (fresh, frozen, or canned)
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped
- 1/4 cup feta cheese (optional), crumbled
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Dressing:
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice (or to taste)
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional)
- 1 clove garlic, minced (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
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Cook the Quinoa:
- Rinse the quinoa under cold water to remove the bitter coating.
- In a medium saucepan, combine quinoa and water (or vegetable broth). Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 15 minutes or until the quinoa is fluffy and the liquid is absorbed. Remove from heat and let it sit covered for 5 minutes, then fluff with a fork.
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Prepare the Vegetables:
- While the quinoa is cooking, chop the cherry tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, carrot, and red onion. If using corn from a can, drain and rinse it.
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Make the Dressing:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, salt, and pepper.
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Combine the Ingredients:
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked quinoa, chopped vegetables, corn, and parsley or cilantro. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine.
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Add Feta (if using):
- If desired, sprinkle crumbled feta cheese on top and gently mix.
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Serve:
- Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or lemon juice as needed. Serve immediately or refrigerate for 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Tips:
- You can customize the salad by adding other vegetables like avocado, spinach, or roasted vegetables.
- For added protein, consider including chickpeas, black beans, or grilled chicken.
Enjoy this refreshing and nutritious quinoa salad as a main dish or a side!