Summer Quinoa Salad

Hey there, food lovers! Summer is the perfect time to enjoy fresh, vibrant flavors and what better way than with this delicious Summer Quinoa Salad? This mouth-watering dish is packed with nutrients, bursting with colors, and guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser at any gathering. Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with this refreshing and satisfying salad!

Ingredients:

• 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
• 2 cups vegetable broth or water
• 1 large cucumber, diced
• 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
• 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 1/4 cup fresh mint, chopped
• Lemon Vinaigrette:
• 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• 3 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Cook the quinoa: In a saucepan, combine the quinoa and vegetable broth (or water). Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes or until the quinoa is fluffy and the liquid is absorbed. Remove from heat and let cool completely.
2. Prepare the vegetables: While the quinoa is cooking, dice the cucumber, halve the cherry tomatoes, dice the bell pepper, and thinly slice the red onion. Place them all in a large bowl.
3. Make the lemon vinaigrette: In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
4. Assemble the salad: Add the cooled quinoa to the bowl with the vegetables. Crumble the feta cheese over the top and sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley and mint.
5. Dress the salad: Drizzle the lemon vinaigrette over the salad and toss gently to coat everything evenly.
6. Serve and enjoy! Transfer the Summer Quinoa Salad to a serving bowl or platter and enjoy this refreshing and flavorful dish. It’s perfect as a main course or a side dish for any summer gathering.

Additional Tips:

• For extra crunch, you can add toasted slivered almonds or pine nuts.
• Feel free to switch up the herbs and use basil, cilantro, or dill instead of parsley and mint.
• You can also add grilled chicken, shrimp, or avocado to make it a heartier meal.
• Refrigerate any leftovers and enjoy this salad chilled for up to 3 days.

Nutritional Value:

This Summer Quinoa Salad is not only delicious but also incredibly nutritious. Quinoa is a great source of plant-based protein, fiber, and various vitamins and minerals. The fresh vegetables provide a boost of antioxidants, vitamins, and fiber. The addition of feta cheese adds calcium and a creamy flavor. Overall, this salad is a well-balanced and healthy choice for a summer meal.