Quinoa with carrots and raisins –Today, I’m excited to share a delightful and healthy recipe that has become a favorite on my table: Quinoa Salad. This vibrant salad is not only packed with nutrients but also bursts with flavor, making it perfect for any meal of the day. It’s incredibly versatile, so feel free to customize it with your favorite toppings!
Quinoa Salad
This Quinoa Salad is the perfect blend of textures and flavors, combining the nuttiness of quinoa with fresh veggies and a zesty dressing. Let’s dive into the ingredients and instructions to get you started!
Ingredients
- 1 cup quinoa
- 2 cups water or vegetable broth
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 avocado, diced
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely diced
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- Juice of 2 limes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Start by rinsing the quinoa under cold water to remove any bitterness. In a medium-sized pot, combine the rinsed quinoa and water (or broth) and bring to a boil.
- Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for about 15 minutes or until the quinoa is cooked and fluffy. Remove from heat and let it sit covered for 5 minutes before fluffing it with a fork.
- While the quinoa is cooking, prepare your vegetables and toppings. Chop the cherry tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, avocado, red onion, and cilantro, and place them in a large mixing bowl.
- Once the quinoa has cooled slightly, add it to the bowl with the vegetables. Gently mix to combine.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the lime juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper to create the dressing. Pour it over the quinoa salad and toss gently until everything is evenly coated.
- Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. If you like more acidity, add a little more lime juice or salt according to your preference.
- Serve your quinoa salad right away, or refrigerate it for an hour to allow the flavors to meld. Enjoy it as a side dish or a light meal on its own!
This Quinoa Salad is not just a dish; it’s a celebration of fresh ingredients and healthy eating. Perfect for meal prep or a potluck, it’s sure to impress anyone who tries it!