Are you ready to transform your summer dining experience with a vibrant, nutrient-packed salad that's not just a meal, but a culinary adventure? This Green Goddess Quinoa Summer Salad is about to become your new obsession - a perfect blend of fresh ingredients, zesty herbs, and creamy green goddess dressing that will transport your palate to a garden of flavor in just 35 minutes!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup quinoa
- 2 cups water
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 avocado, diced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- 1/4 cup green onions, sliced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup green goddess dressing
Instructions
- Begin by rinsing the quinoa under cold water in a fine-mesh strainer. This helps to remove any bitterness from the quinoa.
- In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed quinoa and 2 cups of water. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan, and let it simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the quinoa is tender and all the water has been absorbed.
- After 15 minutes, remove the saucepan from heat and let it sit, covered, for an additional 5 minutes. This allows the quinoa to steam and become fluffy.
- While the quinoa is cooking, prepare your vegetables. Dice the cucumber, halve the cherry tomatoes, and dice the avocado. Place all the chopped vegetables into a large mixing bowl.
- Once the quinoa has finished cooking, fluff it with a fork and let it cool slightly before adding it to the bowl with the vegetables.
- Add the chopped parsley, chopped basil, and sliced green onions to the bowl with the quinoa and vegetables. Gently toss everything together to combine.
- Drizzle the green goddess dressing over the salad and season with salt and pepper to taste. Toss gently to coat all the ingredients with the dressing.
- Serve the salad immediately, or refrigerate it for 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. This salad is best enjoyed chilled or at room temperature.
- Garnish with additional herbs or avocado slices if desired, and enjoy your refreshing Green Goddess Quinoa Summer Salad!
Tips
- Always rinse quinoa thoroughly to remove its natural coating called saponin, which can cause a bitter taste.
- For extra flavor, consider toasting the quinoa in a dry pan for 2-3 minutes before adding water to enhance its nutty profile.
- Use room temperature vegetables to maintain the salad's fresh texture and prevent cooling down the quinoa too quickly.
- For best results, let the salad rest for 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld together.
- If preparing in advance, add avocado just before serving to prevent browning.
- Experiment with additional herbs like mint or cilantro to customize the flavor profile.
- Choose ripe, high-quality avocados for the creamiest texture and best taste.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 10g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 0mg
