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Healthy Quinoa Salad Recipe

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4.2 from 15 reviews

This Healthy Quinoa Salad is a vibrant, nutrient-packed dish perfect for a quick lunch or light dinner. Featuring fluffy quinoa mixed with fresh vegetables, herbs, and a zesty lemon garlic dressing, it’s both delicious and wholesome. Easy to prepare either on the stovetop or in an Instant Pot, this salad is versatile, refreshing, and made with simple, nutritious ingredients.

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings

Ingredients

Quinoa and Cooking

  • 1 cup Quinoa
  • 2 cups Water
  • 1/2 tsp Salt

Dressing

  • 1/4 cup Cilantro (Coriander leaves) or Parsley, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves Garlic, minced
  • 2 tbsp Coconut oil or Olive oil
  • 3 tbsp Lemon juice or Lime juice
  • 1 tbsp Vinegar

Salad Mix

  • 1/3 cup Cilantro (Coriander leaves) or Parsley, finely chopped
  • 1/3 cup Carrots, finely chopped
  • 1/3 cup Bell pepper (Red & Green bell pepper/Capsicum), chopped
  • 1/3 cup Red onions, chopped
  • 1/3 cup Cucumber, chopped
  • 1/2 cup Peanuts, roasted

Instructions

  1. Rinse Quinoa: Rinse and drain the quinoa thoroughly in water twice to remove any bitterness and impurities.
  2. Cook Quinoa on Stovetop: In a pan, add the drained quinoa with 2 cups of water and salt, bring it to a boil. Cover and cook on medium heat for 15 minutes or until the water is fully absorbed. Let it cool to achieve fluffy texture.
  3. Make Lemon Garlic Dressing: In a bowl, combine finely chopped cilantro or parsley, minced garlic, coconut or olive oil, lemon or lime juice, and vinegar. Mix well and set aside.
  4. Prepare Salad: In a large bowl, add the cooled quinoa, chopped carrots, bell peppers, red onions, cucumber, roasted peanuts, and additional cilantro or parsley. Pour the dressing over and toss everything together until well combined.
  5. Serve: Serve the salad immediately or refrigerate it until ready to serve for enhanced flavor.
  6. Optional Instant Pot Quinoa Cooking: Add quinoa and 1.5 cups water to the Instant Pot and stir. Seal the lid and set to pressure cook on high for 3 minutes. Allow natural pressure release for 10 minutes, then manually release remaining pressure. Fluff quinoa with a fork and cool before mixing the salad.

Notes

  • You can substitute cilantro with parsley or use a combination of both for the dressing and salad garnish.
  • Roasted peanuts add a crunchy texture, but you can also use other nuts like almonds or cashews.
  • Adjust lemon juice and vinegar quantities to taste for a tangier or milder dressing.
  • This salad can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days; it tastes better chilled.
  • For added protein, consider adding chickpeas or grilled chicken if not strictly vegetarian.
  • Make sure quinoa is cooled completely before adding the dressing to prevent wilting the fresh vegetables.
  • Author: Chef
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Salad
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Health-focused, Fusion
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Find it online: https://avascooking.com/healthy-quinoa-salad-recipe/