Rainbow Quinoa Salad with Lemonherb Dressing
Recipe Introduction
Quick Hook
Fancy a salad that actually fills you up? Ever thought about how to make Quinoa Salad truly exciting? This dish is a flavour bomb.
It’s zingy and fresh. It's also packed with healthy goodness.
Brief Overview
Quinoa Salad With Roasted Vegetables is thought to have originated in the Andes. It was a staple for centuries. This Easy Quinoa Salad is simple to make.
It only takes about 40 minutes from start to finish. This recipe yields 4 servings.
Main Benefits
This Vegetarian Quinoa Salad Bowl is a powerhouse of nutrition. It’s full of protein and fibre. It's ideal for Healthy Lunches or as a light dinner.
Honestly, what makes this recipe special is how adaptable it is. You can throw in whatever veg you have in the fridge.
It's a perfect Quinoa Salad Meal Prep .
This Summer Quinoa Salad is a ray of sunshine on a plate. You know? I remember the first time I made Quinoa Salad with Feta .
I was so chuffed with myself. It tasted amazing and looked so pretty. This Lemon Herb Quinoa Salad Recipe will soon be your go-to.
So, are you ready to try this delicious Vegetable Quinoa Salad Lunch ? I think you are, come on, let's do it!
Time to Gather Your Bits
Let's get our ducks in a row. Here's what you'll need for this cracking recipe.
For the Quinoa: You'll need 1 cup of quinoa. Don't forget to rinse it first. You'll also need 2 cups of water. A pinch of salt is also necessary.
For the Veggies: Grab 1 cup of cherry tomatoes. Half a cup of diced red onion is needed. Dice up 1 cup of cucumber.
Half a cup each of red and yellow bell peppers adds colour and flavour. You will also need half a cup of fresh parsley.
For the Dressing: This is where the magic happens. You'll need 60ml of olive oil. Squeeze 3 tablespoons of lemon juice.
Mint and basil add freshness. Mince one clove of garlic. Half a teaspoon of honey adds a touch of sweetness.
Season with salt and pepper to taste. Don't forget Idee Pasto Sano .
I like to use fresh herbs whenever possible. The flavour is just so much better. If you're using dried herbs, reduce the amount. They're more concentrated.
Ingredients & Equipment for Your Quinoa Salad
Right then, let’s chat about what you need to whip up this cracking Quinoa Salad . Trust me, it's easier than finding a decent parking spot on a Saturday! I'm sure this recipe will fit in your Quinoa Salad Meal Prep Healthy Lunches plan.
Main Ingredients
- Quinoa: 1 cup (180g), rinsed really well! This removes any bitterness. Aim for good quality quinoa that looks nice and clean.
- Water: 2 cups (475ml), or use vegetable broth for extra flavour! Trust me, it's worth it.
- Salt: ½ teaspoon.
- Cherry Tomatoes: 1 cup (150g), halved. The sweeter, the better.
- Cucumber: 1 cup (120g), diced.
- Red Bell Pepper: ½ cup (75g), diced.
- Yellow Bell Pepper: ½ cup (75g), diced. Colour is key here!
- Red Onion: ½ cup (60g), finely diced. Soak in cold water for 10 minutes to take the edge off.
- Fresh Parsley: ½ cup (40g), chopped. Fresh is always best!. If you need a good Vegetable Quinoa Salad Lunch , this is it.
Seasoning Notes - Let’s Get Saucy!
This Lemon Herb Quinoa Salad Recipe needs a killer dressing. These are the key things:
- Olive Oil: ¼ cup (60ml). Extra virgin, naturally!
- Lemon Juice: 3 tablespoons , freshly squeezed. Bottled stuff just doesn't cut it.
- Fresh Mint: 1 tablespoon, chopped. Adds a lovely freshness.
- Fresh Basil: 1 tablespoon, chopped. Aromatic heaven!.
- Garlic: 1 clove, minced. Or use garlic powder.
- Honey: ½ teaspoon (or maple syrup for a Vegan Quinoa Salad Recipe ).
- Salt and Pepper: To taste. Don't be shy!. Consider idee Pasto Sano .
You could swap the mint and basil for other herbs, but I reckon these work best. A pinch of red pepper flakes also works wonders for a bit of heat.
Equipment Needed - No Fuss, Just the Essentials
Right, you don't need a kitchen the size of Wembley Stadium for this Easy Quinoa Salad . Here's what you need:
- Medium Saucepan with Lid: For cooking the quinoa .
- Large Mixing Bowl: For chucking everything together.
- Whisk: For the dressing. A fork will do in a pinch.
- Cutting Board & Knife: Obvious, innit?. For a perfect Summer Quinoa Salad
Get Your Quinoa On: Rainbow Quinoa Salad
Fancy a salad that's both healthy and bursting with flavour? This Rainbow Quinoa Salad is the ticket. Seriously, forget boring salads.
This is sunshine in a bowl, I promise you! It’s a cracking idee pasto sano if I do say so myself.
Prep Like a Pro
Mise en place , darling. Get all your veggies chopped. Dice the peppers and cucumbers. Halve those cherry tomatoes. Honestly, the better you prep, the smoother the whole process will be.
I find that chopping everything ahead saves me so much time during the week - Quinoa Salad Meal Prep Healthy Lunches , sorted.
How to Make This Salad: step-by-step
- Cook your quinoa. Combine 1 cup (180g) of rinsed quinoa with 2 cups (475ml) of water and ½ teaspoon of salt. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 15 minutes .
- Chop the veggies. While the quinoa cooks, dice 1 cup (120g) of cucumber, ½ cup (75g) of red and yellow bell peppers, and ½ cup (60g) of red onion.
- Make the dressing. Whisk together ¼ cup (60ml) of olive oil, 3 tablespoons of lemon juice, 1 tablespoon each of chopped mint and basil, 1 minced clove of garlic, ½ teaspoon of honey, salt, and pepper. This Lemon Herb Quinoa Salad Recipe dressing is seriously divine.
- Combine everything. In a large bowl, mix the cooked quinoa and chopped vegetables.
- Dress it up! Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently. Taste and adjust the seasoning. This Summer Quinoa Salad is begging for a taste!
Pro Tips and Tricks
Want to make this salad even better? Always rinse your quinoa before cooking to avoid bitterness, trust me. For Vegetarian Quinoa Salad Bowl , add some roasted sweet potatoes for extra goodness.
Don't overdress the salad or it will go soggy. This Easy Quinoa Salad is perfect for making ahead, just keep the dressing separate and add it before serving.
A great Vegetable Quinoa Salad Lunch .
This Vegan Quinoa Salad Recipe is simple and filling. Add some Quinoa Salad With Roasted Vegetables to make it even more unique and full of great nutrients.
If you want to bring something special for a picnic, this Quinoa Salad with Feta is always a hit.
Recipe Notes for Your Perfect Quinoa Salad
Right then, let's dive into some extra bits and bobs for this smashing Quinoa Salad . Honestly, this Easy Quinoa Salad is so versatile, you can really make it your own.
It’s ideal for Quinoa Salad Meal Prep Healthy Lunches , too. Here are a few pointers to get you started, you know?
Serving It Up: Plating Like a Pro
First off, presentation matters! You want to make your Vegetable Quinoa Salad Lunch look as good as it tastes. Think about arranging the colourful veggies artfully.
A sprinkle of extra fresh herbs never hurts. For a fancy touch, try serving individual portions in mason jars. This is awesome for picnics.
Or, try it with grilled halloumi, that salty Cypriot cheese, you know? A nice glass of chilled Sauvignon Blanc goes brilliantly with this Summer Quinoa Salad or some sparkling elderflower cordial.
Simple but elegant!
Storage Savvy: Keep it Fresh
So, you've made a big batch of this Lemon Herb Quinoa Salad Recipe . Now what? No worries. This Quinoa Salad With Roasted Vegetables keeps brilliantly.
Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days . The flavours actually meld together even better overnight.
I wouldn't recommend freezing this particular Quinoa Salad . The veggies can get a bit mushy. To reheat, just give it a gentle stir.
Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to brighten it up again. Sorted!
Mix It Up: Variations Galore
Fancy a bit of a twist? No problem. For a Vegan Quinoa Salad Recipe , just swap out the honey for maple syrup or agave.
Dead easy! gluten-free already. Feeling autumnal? Roast some butternut squash and toss it in. It works a treat. I tried adding some pomegranate seeds last week; oh my gosh , it was amazing! Another idea is to add black beans and corn for a Mexican inspired Vegetarian Quinoa Salad Bowl .
Endless options really!
Nutrition Nitty Gritty
Let's get down to the good stuff. This Quinoa Salad is packed with goodness! Quinoa is a complete protein, so it’s great for muscle building.
According to the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, eating quinoa regularly can lower cholesterol. It's low GI, so keeps you feeling fuller for longer, ideal for those Idee Pasto Sano goals.
Plus, all those colourful veggies are bursting with vitamins and antioxidants. What’s not to love? On average, one portion contains around 350 calories, but of course, this can vary according to the ingredients.
Remember, cooking should be fun and enjoy your meal, you can always check other Quinoa Salad Recipes!.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I really need to rinse the quinoa before making this Quinoa Salad? It seems like a faff!
Yes, rinsing the quinoa is quite important, even if it feels like a bit of a bother. Quinoa has a natural coating called saponin, which can give it a bitter taste. Rinsing removes this saponin, resulting in a much more palatable and enjoyable Quinoa Salad.
Think of it as a quick rinse to ensure a cracking final product!
Can I make this Quinoa Salad ahead of time, or will it go all soggy like a wet weekend in Blackpool?
Good news! You can definitely prep this salad in advance. Cook the quinoa and chop the veggies, storing them separately in the fridge. Mix everything together with the dressing just before serving to prevent the vegetables from getting soggy.
The cooked quinoa can be stored for up to 3 days, making this a perfect make-ahead meal.
What are some good substitutions or variations I can try to jazz up this Quinoa Salad? I fancy something a bit different.
Absolutely! Feel free to get creative. For a Mediterranean twist, try adding feta cheese, Kalamata olives, and sun-dried tomatoes. Fancy something spicier? A Mexican Quinoa Salad with black beans, corn, avocado, and a lime cilantro dressing would be brilliant.
And don't forget, you can always swap out the quinoa for couscous or bulgur wheat if you're feeling adventurous!
How long does this Quinoa Salad last in the fridge, and how should I store it?
This Rainbow Quinoa Salad will generally keep well in the fridge for about 3-5 days, provided it's stored properly. Store it in an airtight container to maintain its freshness and prevent it from absorbing any unwanted odours.
If you've already added the dressing, it's best to consume it sooner rather than later to avoid the veggies becoming too soft.
Is Quinoa Salad actually healthy? I'm trying to be a bit more health conscious, you see.
Indeed it is! Quinoa is a nutritional powerhouse, packed with protein, fiber, and essential amino acids. The vegetables in this salad add vitamins and minerals, making it a well rounded and healthy dish.
Plus, you can control the amount of oil and other ingredients in the dressing, making it even healthier than some shop bought salads. It's a proper winner!
Rainbow Quinoa Salad With Lemonherb Dressing
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 350 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 20g |
| Fiber | 5g |
