Easy Ways to Make Healthy Quinoa Salad with Simple Ingredients

Updated
2 min read

Healthy quinoa salad –Looking for a refreshing and healthy dish to bring to your next gathering? Try this delicious Healthy Quinoa Salad with a light homemade dressing! It’s not only packed with flavor, but it’s also nutritious, making it the perfect choice for any occasion.

Healthy Quinoa Salad with Light Homemade Dressing

This vibrant salad is filled with fresh ingredients that come together beautifully, offering a satisfying crunch and delightful taste. Best of all, it’s easy to prepare. Let’s dive into the recipe!

Healthy Quinoa Salad with Light Homemade Dressing

Ingredients

  • 1 cup quinoa, rinsed and drained
  • 2 cups water or vegetable broth
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cucumber, diced
  • 1 bell pepper, diced (any color of your choice)
  • 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled (optional)
  • 1 avocado, diced
  • Salt and pepper to taste

For the Light Homemade Dressing

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. In a medium saucepan, bring the water or vegetable broth to a boil. Add the rinsed quinoa, cover, and reduce the heat to low. Allow it to simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the quinoa is fluffy and the liquid has been absorbed. Once cooked, remove from heat and let it cool.
  2. While the quinoa is cooling, prepare the dressing by whisking together the olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, garlic, salt, and pepper in a small bowl until well combined.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled quinoa, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, red onion, parsley, and feta cheese. Gently toss until all ingredients are distributed evenly.
  4. Drizzle the homemade dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat all the ingredients. Add in the diced avocado and gently mix to combine, taking care not to mash the avocado.
  5. Season the salad with additional salt and pepper to taste. You can serve it immediately, or let it chill in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

This Healthy Quinoa Salad is versatile and can easily be adjusted with your favorite seasonal veggies or proteins. Enjoy it as a standalone dish, or pair it with grilled chicken or fish for a complete meal. It’s sure to be a hit at any potluck or family dinner!